Ladies and Gentlemen, many years ago, upon entering our Air Force, we took an oath. Unlike other professions in our society, we made a personal commitment to defend our country to our death.

The reality of that commitment can be seen in our national cemeteries. Indeed, that personal commitment resulted in the loss of 36 EC-47 Crewmembers, our Hero's, in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.

Tonight, we take a moment to remember our Hero's by setting a place for them.

I direct your attention to the small table to my right. The table cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.

The glass is upside down to remind us that they cannot be with us tonight.

The black napkin stands for the emptiness that our fallen comrades have left in the hearts of their families, their comrades, and in our circles of friendship.. And there is spilled salt on the bread plate, symbolic of their families tears who also sacrificed so very much for our country.

The single red rose and it's red ribbon are for love.. The love of country and countrymen that led these sons.. brothers.. husbands.. fathers.. and friends to defend the principles of freedon.. even to the point of paying the ultimate sacrifice.

Would you please stand with me while we have a moment of silence in memory of our fallen Hero's.

A seven minute recording of an attempted overrun of Tan Son Nhut by the Viet Cong was then played. It included actual recorded communications, calls for help and assistance, calls for re-enforcements in our mens efforts to successfully prevent the overrun. All the while the incoming rockets were exploding all around.

The Program by Bill Francis left not a dry eye in the house. One young lady had to excuse herself and leave the room being overcome by the memories it brought back. Thanks Bill.