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WASHINGTON – As the sun began to set over the National Capitol
Region, several hundred people gathered at the Air Force Memorial
with the District of Columbia-city landscape as the backdrop to
witness a wreath-laying event, followed by a concert performed by
the United States Air Force Band, Aug. 14.
The wreath-laying
ceremony and concert were held to recognize the 70th anniversary of
the end of World War II and “honor the greatest generation ... ” said
Lt. Gen. James M. “Mike” Holmes, deputy chief of staff for Strategic
Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.
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World War II veterans (left-right), retired Brig. Gen. James 'J. Richard' Compton, retired Army Lt. CJ Moore, retired Army Sgt. Ron Locke, retired Marine Corps Sgt. Charley Schuck and retired Navy Capt. John Reed, applaud after a song played by the Air Force Band at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., Aug. 14, 2015. The event included a wreath-laying ceremony and a four-ship P-51 Mustang flyover to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua DeMotts)
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“We are here today to honor those brave and often heroic
individuals who served during World War II, their
achievements, dedication and courage,” said Scott Van Cleef,
Air Force Association chairman of the board. “We wish to say
thank you for their sacrifices. Seeing these brave men and
women who join us tonight and remembering those who are here
only in spirit, I can't help but feel awed by the enormity
of what they have achieved. We stand in the midst of
patriots and family and friends of those who have nobly
served. They were ordinary people who responded in
extraordinary ways in extreme times. They rose to the
nation's call because they wanted to protect the country
that had given them so much.”
Following a moment of
silence, an all-white arrangement of flowers and blue ribbon
intertwined wreath was laid at the base of the AF Memorial.
“It's an honor to be recognized and to show the flag,”
said retired Marine Brig. Gen. Donald Brooks, served in the
1st Division in Okinawa, Japan, during World War II, who
attended the event with a group of people from Falcon's
Landing in Sterling, Virginia. “We are going to hear some
great music tonight.”
Followed by the singing of the
national anthem, a four-ship formation of P-51 Mustangs
performed a fly-over.
“It is impressive to be here
and be a part of this,” said Master Sgt. William (Bill)
Tayman, retired after 22 years in the Air Force as a ground
radio electronic technician.
The United States Air
Force Band performed some of the top hits from the era and
ended by singing the songs of all armed services as
individuals stood to be recognized for their service to
their country.
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Bridgette Alpar (left), 14, and her 10-year-old sister Meredith, read an engraved wall at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., Aug. 14, 2015. The Air Force Band played music from the World War II era after a wreath-laying ceremony and a flyover to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. Bridgette and Meredith's father, Maj. David Alpar, is a member of the band. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua DeMotts)
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“I can't express it, the music, it tears me up, I just
have no way to express it,” said the 95-year-old retired
Army Brig. Gen. James "J. Richard" Compton, WWII physician,
as tears began to well in his eyes. “You lose a lot of your
very, very good friends and we were all just pulling
together in an absolutely astounding time. People gave up a
lot, they all had somebody involved in it and we still pray
for them.”
By U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joshua DeMotts
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
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