Team effort results in Memorial Flag Circle

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Teresa Connor
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A formation of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, Joint Personal Effects Depot and Armed Forces Medical Examiner personnel observed the inaugural flag raising at the dedication ceremony for the new "Memorial Flag Circle" in front of the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, Dover Air Force Base, Del., Jan. 24.

"Originally the idea spurred from a desire to recognize the jointness of our mission and to honor the fallen from all services," said Col. Thomas Joyce, AFMAO commander.

Bill Zwicharowski, port mortuary division chief, suggested the idea of a "flag circle" after serving as an expert advisor for the movie "Taking Chance."

"We wanted to capture the same feeling the movie emanates when they do the 'send off.'
When we recognize our fallen at the moment of a 'send off,' it is done in honor of that
person's sacrifice," said Zwicharowski. "It is a very solemn moment and is a reminder of the true cost of freedom. We were looking for a way to exemplify the important mission of the military.

"The circle of flags represents the branches of service standing side by side, not only at the send off, but having worked side by side to prepare each of our fallen for their return to their families," he added.

Eddie Adelman, AFMAO programs and facilities branch chief, said "This was a total Team AFMAO effort from concept to reality that showed the truly historic things we can accomplish when we all work together."

He also thanked the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron for bringing the vision to reality. He added that President Kennedy's quote "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," best summed up why this project was so important.

"It pays tribute to the fallen heroes and their families who gave their all for the flag," he said.

Master Sgt. Mark Cleveland and Staff Sgt. Alexandru Stoica coordinated the dedication ceremony.

"Everyone really rose to the occasion," said Cleveland. "It was an honor to participate in an event with all services paying respect to our nation's flag and to the services."

Stoica added, "I was humbled and grateful to participate in an event that reflects the unison and cooperative environment all branches of the U.S. military share here."

The "Memorial Flag Circle" project was a team effort. It serves as a fitting symbol; a true testimony to the total force of the mission; JPED, AFMAO and AFMES. On an even bigger scale it symbolizes the military's total force.