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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
SLIDE SHOW: Capt. Michael Iwanicki, U.S. Army National Guard pays tribute to the fallen heroes during the Memorial Day observance at Clifton Pier.
--- A member of the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew drops a remembrance wreath near the crash site at Clifton Pier.
---Master Sergeant Iris Rivera, of the U.S. Army, prepares to drop a wreath of remembrance while on board an RBDF P-48 vessel.
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Nassau, Bahamas - On Monday, May 28,
U.S. and Bahamian government officials as well as family members came
together to mark Memorial Day by paying tribute to those who gave their
lives for freedom. The occasion was also set aside to give special
recognition to the ten members of US Patrol Squadron 23, LTJG William H.
Martin; ENS John C. Tinney; AT3 Joseph A. Kiliszewski; ATAN Thomas R.
Caylor; AT3 Albert J. Olson; ENS Leland R. Osborn; ADC John W. Holle;
AO3 Franz E. Nelson; AD3 Gerald P. Lepard and AL1 Fred M. Sparks, who
lost their lives during a training mission off of the coast of Nassau on
May 7, 1954 and Bahamian Private First Class (PFC) Norman Darling who
died in the Iraq War in 2004.
On
hand to mark the solemn occasion at the fateful crash site off of
Clifton Pier, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman, who noted that the
importance of paying tribute to the men and women who have paid the
ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America and The Bahamas.
U.S. Charge d’Affaires John Dinkelman gives remarks at the Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony at Clifton Pier.
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“As
we reflect on the sacrifices of our American servicemen and women, we
also remember those of our friends and allies – for America’s Armed
Forces have never stood alone. Our military men and women include
citizens of many nations, including The Bahamas.”
In
his remarks, Governor General of The Bahamas Sir Arthur Foulkes stated
that he is joined by the people of The Bahamas in paying tribute to
those brave young people who died far away from home in the service of
their country. He added that it is quite fitting that a day is set
aside to honor, commemorate and give thanks for those individuals who
made the ultimate sacrifice.
During
the ceremony, family members paid tribute to their loved ones, a moment
of silence was also observed in memory of the fallen heroes followed by
a gun salute by the Military Police Force Protection Unit of the Royal
Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF). Also among the highlights, the playing of
Taps by the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and the release of two
commemorative wreaths into the water by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter
crew and Master Sergeant Iris Rivera, of the U.S. Army, while onboard an
RBDF P-48 Cutter.
Governor General of The Bahamas Sir Arthur Foulkes gives remarks during the Memorial Day ceremony.
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U.S. Charge d’Affaires John Dinkelman and Mrs. Dinkelman; Governor General of The Bahamas Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes with the Minister of State for National Security, The Hon. Keith Bell; Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Fred Mitchell; LCDR Samuel Wartell, Office of Defense Cooperation, U.S. Embassy; Minister of National Security, The Hon. Dr. Bernard Nottage and Mrs. Nottage; Leader of the Opposition, The Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis and family members of the fallen heroes.
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