News KMC Leadership Honors National Day of Mourning November 29, 2024 Members of the Ramstein Air Base Honor Guard carry a memorial wreath followed by 86th Airlift Wing leadership during a National Day of Mourning ceremony, Nov. 17, 2024, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. The National Day of Mourning is a German holiday held on the 33rd Sunday of the year to honor those of all nations who have died due to war or of violent oppression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Regan Enriquez) U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army representatives laid down a memorial wreath at the National Day of Mourning memorial event at Kaiserslautern Main Cemetery, Kaiserslautern, Nov. 17. This ceremony commemorates members of the armed forces and civilians who died in armed conflicts. Photos by Petra Lessoing A wreath by the Kaiserslautern Military Community is placed at the memorial site, Kaiserslautern. Known in Germany as Volkstrauertag, the National Day of Mourning is a time to remember the tragedy of war and mourn the victims, and to speak out for peace. Ramstein Air Base leadership stands together during a National Day of Mourning ceremony, Nov. 17, 2024, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. Members of more than 20 NATO nations attended the ceremony to honor service members and civilians who have lost their lives in war and violent oppression, while showing signs of friendship and healing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Regan Enriquez) Ralf Hechler, Ramstein-Miesenbach mayor, speaks at a National Day of Mourning ceremony, Nov. 17, 2024, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. National Day of Mourning is a German holiday where citizens mourn victims of war, and included NATO armed forces members, local officials and members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Regan Enriquez) U.S. Air Force and German servicemembers stand in front of a memorial during a National Day of Mourning ceremony, Nov. 17, 2024, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. In recent years, the National Day of Mourning, first observed in 1952, also began recognizing any victims of violent oppression and acts of terrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Regan Enriquez) U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Louis Ludwig, 86th Airlift Wing command chief, salutes a memorial wreath placed in honor of the National Day of Mourning, Nov. 17, 2024, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. The National Day of Mourning, also known as Volkstrauertag, is a silent tribute to commemorate service members and civilians from all nations who have lost their lives in war and victims of violent oppression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Regan Enriquez) A local choir sings a song in honor of the National Day of Mourning, Nov. 17, 2024, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. This ceremony centers on the importance of remembrance, forgiveness and peace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Regan Enriquez) Wreaths rest against a fence before being placed on a memorial in honor of the National Day of Mourning, Nov. 17, 2024, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. This ceremony honoring the National Day of Mourning, one of many held across Germany, has occurred every year two Sundays before the first Sunday of Advent since 1952. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Regan Enriquez) « Previous × Next » Share Tweet