US, UK forces join to pay respects to fallen Published June 3, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Amanda Sampson 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EDINBURGH, Scotland -- The RAF Lakenheath Honor Guard joined their U.K. counterparts during the 80th Scottish-American Memorial Day Service at West Princes Street Gardens, Scotland, May 26, to pay their respects to Scottish soldiers who gave their lives during World War I. The service included representatives from U.S. and Scottish governments, the British armed forces, the Royal British Legion, as well as the English-Speaking Union, which hosted the event. "Since the 1914-1918 war, we've had a close relationship with the Americans," said British army Warrant Officer Iain Angus MacLachlan, Edinburgh Garrison sergeant major. "It's good that we keep this tradition going of getting together and remembering the fallen." Every year, the ceremony is held at "The Call" monument, which features a seated Scottish soldier calling the Scottish population to arms. The statue was funded by Americans, many of Scottish descent, and erected in 1927 to commemorate the 100,000 Scottish soldiers who lost their lives in the Great War. The RAF Lakenheath Honor Guard has created its own tradition by participating in the service for over ten years. "We already have a great relationship with the U.K.," said Airman 1st Class Kyle Mitchell, RAF Lakenheath Honor Guard rifle bearer. "But ceremonies like this give reassurance to our U.K. partners that, even from World War I, up until today, we still have that support structure for and between our nations." The ceremony included a religious service, a wreath-laying, and the playing of the U.K. and U.S. national anthems. Through it all, the British and American guard details stood together. "I don't have to be in the honor guard to feel that relationship between our nations, because I know how far it spans back," Mitchell said. "Our allies have died for the cause of freedom just like we have."