Colonel Duane Lamb speaks during the Memorial Day ceremony held 8:30 a.m. May 27, 2013, at Veterans Memorial Park in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Photo credit: Ben Flanagan/al.com
Retired Col. Duane Lamb, Alpha Phi/Alabama 1976, was the guest speaker at the Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The annual program, which has been held for more than a decade, is a day for remembering and paying respect to the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
In his address, Col. Lamb read the numbers of Americans killed in action during wars in the nation’s history, and emphasized the loss of those who had served during World War II. He also read excerpts from the “Gettysburg Address.”
Col. Lamb said that he hoped that those attending Memorial Day ceremonies across the nation will take away this message, “People gave the ultimate sacrifice for them and for their loved ones so that we can live in freedom.” Lamb added that he especially wanted the younger generation to realize that.
In addition to Col. Lamb’s address, the event featured a tribute to veterans of all wars and all branches of service, the presentation of colors, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Col. Lamb is a 1976 graduate of the University of Alabama where he received a degree in Education. He received a master’s degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University in California, and graduated with honor. He is also a resident graduate of Air University’s Squadron Officer School Air Command and Staff College and Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
Col. Lamb retired from active duty in the Air Force six years ago. His last combat was in Iraq in 2006 where he commanded more than 2,000 troops in 50 locations. He is a decorated airman with 24 military medals which include: the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Lamb is currently the Assistant Vice President of Facilities and Grounds at the University of Alabama, and serves as the advisor to the UA student Campus Veterans Association. He and his wife, Kimberly, reside in Tuscaloosa with their three children.
For more information and to see more photos from the event, click here.
To watch a newstory with Col. Lamb featured on a panel prior to the ceremony, click here. Col. Lamb speaks around 2:49.