05/22/2026
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Soldiers assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) (7th SFG(A)) gathered at Camp “Bull” Simons, May 21, 2026, for the unit’s inaugural Memorial Day ceremony honoring the nation’s fallen service members and commemorating those who gave their lives in service to the United States.
Held during U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s (USASOC) Remembrance Week, the ceremony brought together Soldiers, leaders, and family members from across the unit to reflect
on the sacrifices of fallen comrades and to recognize the enduring legacy of those who served in defense of the nation. This year’s observance centered on the themes “Remembrance: Victory and Valor” and “Special Operations Forces Contribution to America 250,” honoring the sacrifices made throughout the nation’s history and the role of special operations forces in defending the United States for nearly 250 years.
The event included ceremonial honors and remarks emphasizing remembrance, service, and commitment to the Special Forces Regiment and the Army profession.
Col. Leitner, 7th SFG(A) Commander, addressed attendees and spoke on the significance of Memorial Day and the responsibility carried by today’s force to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. “We honor the fallen not just with our words today, but with our actions every day,” said Col. Leitner. “Our dedication to readiness is the highest tribute we can pay to those soldiers who consistently demonstrated their resolve to defend freedom, and who gave their last full measure of devotion.”
Throughout the ceremony, Soldiers observed moments of reflection honoring the lives and sacrifices of fallen service members. “Memorial Day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by
those who came before us,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob Bradford, a Soldier assigned to 7th SFG(A). “Their legacy continues to inspire our commitment to duty, service and the defense of others.”
USASOC Remembrance Week honors our fallen heroes and the resilient courage of Gold Star families, ensuring the legacy of their ultimate sacrifice endures for the nation. For Soldiers assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), the ceremony reinforced the unit’s continued commitment to remembering the cost of the nation’s freedom and to preserving the legacy of victory, valor, and sacrifice carried by generations of special operations forces.
(US Army article by Sgt Elijah Florence)