This 6,000 square foot center will offer a comfortable and quiet environment with dedicated sitting areas for the families, as well as private rooms that can be used for counseling or meditation. The center will allow AFMAO mortuary affairs specialists, chaplains and mental health technicians to better assist families of the fallen.

With the lifting of an 18-year ban on news coverage of returning U.S. war dead in April 2009, more families are traveling to Dover to witness the return of loved ones killed overseas. The new policy allows each family to decide whether to allow media coverage of their loved one being returned, and many families who consent to media coverage also choose to come to Dover themselves.

Today, the 6th of January 2010, is an important milestone for the Air Force in that one year ago today, the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center came into being. This consolidation of oversight and missions was a result of our Air Force senior leadership’s recognition that although we were providing outstanding support to our fallen and their families, we could do better. And so, the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center was activated and charged with a single focus, that of ensuring our nation’s most sacred commitment to provide the dignity, honor and respect America’s fallen have earned and to provide the care, service, and support their families need. Col Robert H. Edmondson, Commander, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation Center

This center will be a beacon of light in a dark time for many of America’s families. While this facility cannot ease the pain of those who have lost a loved one, it can let them know that a grieving nation stands behind them in their hour of need, and will forever be indebted to their sacrifice.

Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff

General Schwartz recognized Nicole Goc, whose husband was killed in a plane crash years ago, noting that her attendance was symbolic of who this center hopes to serve.

"For many of us, this dedication is a bittersweet event" "This center is emblematic of our genuine gratitude to the families of our fallen service members. In an ideal world -- one that is universally committed to resolving disputes in a peaceful manner -- a Center for the Families of the Fallen perhaps would not be necessary," Gen. Norton Schwartz added. "But alas, it is, as all here know very well."

Dedication prayer by Chaplain David J. Sparks

General Schwartz dedicated the center alongside Col. Bob Edmondson, the AFMAO commander

The dedication plaque reads: The heroes of our generation are making the supreme sacrifice in protection of freedom and promotion of peace. Though they will never see the fulfillment of the dream for which they died, we honor their service, their courage, and their families. They, and their families, hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of these United States. We are compelled by their sacrifice to offer the love which protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. We will never forget and we will always provide the care, service, and support they have earned.

Major Shannon L. Mann preps the media

Dignitaries witnessing the dedication included Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joseph Biden; Delaware's congressional delegation of Sens. Thomas R. Carper and Edward E. Kaufman, and Rep. Mike Castle; Dover Mayor Carlton Carey; Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, the deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, and Lt. Gen. Loren M. Reno, deputy chief of staff for installations, logistics and mission support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

General Schwartz said the center represents a commitment by military leaders to care for fallen service members and their families.

The center will play a part in helping the nation fulfill "its most sacred of obligations," he said, such that service members can know "that their families will be cared for in the way that they would hope in the most difficult of circumstances."

Dr. Jill Biden answering questions from the media.

General Schwartz acknowledged the vision and hard work it took open the center so quickly, noting the dedication of everyone involved was a true "labor of love."

This 6,000 square foot center will offer a comfortable and quiet environment with dedicated sitting areas for the families, as well as private rooms that can be used for counseling or meditation. The center will allow AFMAO mortuary affairs specialists, chaplains and mental health technicians to better assist families of the fallen.

The dedication plaque reads: The heroes of our generation are making the supreme sacrifice in protection of freedom and promotion of peace. Though they will never see the fulfillment of the dream for which they died, we honor their service, their courage, and their families. They, and their families, hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of these United States. We are compelled by their sacrifice to offer the love which protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. We will never forget and we will always provide the care, service, and support they have earned.