Edwards Airmen participate in Rosamond parade

  • Published
  • By Airman Stacy Garcia
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Edwards Airmen participated in the 30th Annual William Ketchum Memorial Armed Forces Appreciation Day Parade and Septemberfest on Saturday.

With a "Hometown Salute to America," hosted by the Antelope Valley Chamber of Commerce, the parade and festival at Rosamond Park promoted local businesses and paid tribute to American heritage.

The grand marshal of the event was Col. Arnie Bunch, 412th Test Wing commander.

"My role as the grand marshall is to represent the base and our relationship with the community," Colonel Bunch said. "I am here to represent all the armed forces and remember those in the past who have done their part as well."

The event took months of planning, but with the support of the local community and Edwards, the parade and festival turned out to be a success, said Pann Patel, AVCC director.

"People in this community appreciate all the members serving our country and this is a way for us to give something back to them," Patel said.

People from the 95th Security Forces Squadron, along with Edwards' young Marines and the Edwards marching unit also participated in the event.

"This event was great," Col. Bunch said. "Anytime we get to get out in our community as representatives of the base and interact with the community, it strengthens our ties and makes us more aware of what is going on. It also lets the community know a little more about what we do at Edwards."

Colonel Bunch then commented of the importance of our military members and their role in serving the country.

"Edwards Airmen and other military services need to understand they are appreciated in their day-to-day services in our country, and that the American people are extremely proud of them for what they do." Colonel Bunch said. "By this parade and this festival we can see how much our community supports us and appreciates us."

Once the parade ended the local community was invited to continue the celebration with "Septemberfest." This community family day offered live music, crafts and games for kids and food vendors. And for motorist fans, a car show was provided by the Rosamond Rod Runners.

An intertribal dance group, Tribal Wind -- made up entirely of Antelope Valley residents -- performed Native American dances in native costumes.

Patel said the Parade and festival was a huge success thanks to the support of Edwards.