A special Memorial Day tribute was given to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for America’s freedom at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Vista, CA. This is the second year an 11,000 sq. ft. American flag was created in the fields at the museum grounds. This is the largest American Flag West of the Mississippi river. Many volunteers worked the week leading up to Memorial Day by measuring and spray painting red, white and blue. Hamburgers, chips and soda were provided to all that attended before the event started.
The invocation was given by Command Captain Kevin Sweeney from Camp Pendleton. The Presentation of the Colors was presented by the Young Marines, then the crowd stood for the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. A band played Armed Forces tribute music before the host told the story of the last flight west and missing man formations as the BiPlane flew inbound at call from west to east. The BiPlane pilot, Colonel Vincent Lostetter then headed west as Taps was played. It was a very moving moment for all as everyone sang America the Beautiful.
