Photo By Tech. Sgt. Stefany Leyva | The 129th Rescue Wing is recognized for their life-saving efforts in a Memorial Day...... read more read more
Subscribe
San Jose, Calif. – Veterans and their families, members of the community, and Airmen serving at the 129th Rescue Wing, Moffett Air National Guard Base, Mountain View, California, joined together for a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at Oakhill Memorial Park, May 27, 2024.
"We gather to pay tribute to our fallen heroes on this solemn day," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kristie Gibbs Morgen, the Master of Ceremonies and 129th Rescue Wing Executive Officer. "I would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the individuals who have joined us to ensure this commemoration holds profound significance."
Oakhill Memorial Park brought together the 129th Rescue Wing, esteemed members of Congress and the California State Senate, local elected representatives, Mr. Hajime Kishimore, the Deputy Consul General of Japan, and many other distinguished visitors and speakers to share honorary words to represent the enduring bonds and unity between nations.
The pinnacle of the day's commemoration involved laying a ceremonial wreath to symbolize the transience of life.
The floral tributes, designated for fleeting battles and decade-long wars, are placed at the memorial site to pay homage and gravely remind us that freedom is not always free.
The U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West played service hymns, and U.S. Air Force Veteran Kimberly Icenhower sang "America The Beautiful" and the National Anthem.
As the Anthem concluded, the Wing performed an honorary flyover in an HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter, where an American flag was flown.
To pay tribute to the 129th Rescue Wing's dedication and commitment to the local community, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Mayor of San Mateo Lisa Diaz Nash awarded letters of appreciation and commendations to the Wing and presented them to U.S. Air Force Col. Victor Teal Jr, the 129th Rescue Wing Commander.
The awards recognized the Wing's "distinguished history of valor, service, and commitment to saving lives both at home and abroad, in times of peace and in combat, and demonstrated extraordinary capabilities and unwavering dedication."
Recently, the 129th Rescue Wing conducted a complex rescue operation 800 nautical miles from the coast of San Francisco, resulting in the 1,161st life saved.
Although it was a solemn day of remembrance, Oakhill Funeral Home and Memorial Park opened the fields for families and all in attendance.
The day concluded as veteran support booths and food vendors lined the sidewalks, music played, stories of past-time service filled the air, and children toured the Wing's HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter.
| Date Taken: | 05.28.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 05.29.2024 12:19 |
| Story ID: | 472401 |
| Location: | SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 126 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A commemoration to honor the sacrifices of those who served, by TSgt Stefany Leyva, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
