Poppy moments: Ormond Beach Air Force veteran delivers address during city's annual Memorial Day ceremony

The City of Ormond Beach's annual Memorial Day Remembrance Serviced featured a speech by U.S. Air Force veteran Capt. Andrew Hoffman.

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In Flanders Fields the poppies grow, and for U.S. Air Force veteran Capt. Andrew Hoffman, the sight of the red flower always calls to mind thoughts of remembrance and sacrifice.

Hoffman referenced the famous military poem by John D. McCrae during his address at the City of Ormond Beach's annual Memorial Day Remembrance Service on Monday, May 26. Held annually to pay tribute to fallen service members, the event features music by the Daytona Beach Concert Band, a salute to veterans of all branches, and a wreath ceremony. 

Hoffman, of Ormond Beach, said the poem has stuck with him since his first grade teacher read it to his class. He calls instances of saluting the fallen his "poppy moments."

"Each time I saw the poppy, my heart saluted and I remembered," he said.

Originally of Wethersfield, Connecticut, Hoffman enlisted in the Air Force in 1970. He served during the Vietnam War, as well as held overseas assignments including during Desert Shield, Desert Storm and post-9/11. He retired from the Air Force Reserves in 2002 after 32 years of service.

During his address, Hoffman spoke about a time in the early 1980s when his unit received a call asking for help to repatriate a soldier's remains — which would require them to divert an extra 800 miles, adding four hours to their day as they traveled to Aviano, Italy.

"Without hesitation, we all had our poppy moment and agreed to divert to Aviano," Hoffman recalled. "After tying down the pallet ... we returned to the peaceful sky, much more somber in our thoughts than before. Before takeoff, someone had tucked a poppy into the tie-down strap. As we passed the coffin through the flight, this poppy reminded us of our continued commitment to the peace effort."

When they arrived at their destination, there was little time, but Hoffman said they saluted the fallen service member and wished him "Godspeed," — another poppy moment. 

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Col. R. Bancroft McKittrick delivered the opening remarks during the event, saying it is important to honor the men and women in Ormond Beach and surrounding communities who served in the military.

"Today, we remember the fallen and the liberties and freedoms that we enjoyed thanks to the sacrifices of so many generations of men and women made on on our behalf," McKittrick said.

The debt of someone's life can't be repaid, Hoffman said. But they can be remembered.

"As you continue to celebrate Memorial Day today and every day going forward, I ask you to stop, take a long look at the American flag waving above you, and pause to reflect on this: It's not the wind that makes the flag fly," Hoffman said. "It's the final breaths of every soldier, sailor and airman who passed away while defending you."

 

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