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Salute From the Shore

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - Four F-16 Vipers assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. fly over the South Carolina coast as part of the Salute From the Shore tribute on July 4, 2012. Supporters of the U.S. military gathered along the Carolina coastline on Independence day and showed their support by building large flags and signs and cheered as Lt. Col Jason Plourde, Capt. Josh D. Larsen, Capt. Luke A. Bledsoe and Capt. John D. Ryan flew over head in their F-16s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Cohen A. Young/Released)

Salute from the Shore

“USA” is written and colored in the sand so it can be visible to the formation of F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 20th Fighter Wing’s 79th Fighter Squadron “Flying Tigers” who flew down the South Carolina coastline as part of Salute from the Shore July 4, 2012. Patriotic displays lined the beach as beachgoers came to show their support of the United States and its service members. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Earon Brown/Released)

Salute From the Shore

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - Four F-16 Vipers assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. fly over the Ft. Sumter, South Carolina as part of the Salute From the Shore tribute on July 4, 2012. Supporters of the U.S. military gathered along the Carolina coastline on Independence day and showed their support by building large flags and signs and cheered as Lt. Col Jason Plourde, Capt. Josh D. Larsen, Capt. Luke A. Bledsoe and Capt. John D. Ryan flew over head. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Cohen A. Young/Released)

Holiday makers thrill to 79th FS flyover July 4

Published July 10, 2012
By 2nd Lt. Earon Brown
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Patriotic displays lined the South Carolina coastline as spectators gathered for a flyover by F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 20th Fighter Wing's 79th Fighter Squadron "Tigers" as part of Salute from the Shore, July 4.

The flyover began at 1 p.m. over Little River and concluded south of Hilton Head Island.

Spectators were encouraged to come to the beach in red, white and blue and bring flags to show their support.

"This gives Americans a unique and united way to salute the men and women who preserve and protect our freedom," said Andy Folsom, Salute from the Shore board member.

Over 1 million participants were present for the event, said John Otis, Salute from the Shore board member.

"We are pleased to report the feedback this year has been overwhelmingly positive," said Otis. "Even the weather cooperated, resulting in a perfect and patriotic day for all!"

Beachgoers were treated to a four aircraft formation as well as a fifth F-16 that took aerial photos of both the aircraft and the scene on the beach. Also accompanying the flyover was an aerial parade of vintage military aircraft from World War II.

"We loved it," said John Graham, a beachgoer whose family was attending Salute from the Shore for the first time. "We could have watched [them] forever."

Graham's family and friends were one group of many who lined the coast showcasing flags and other patriotic displays.

"We can't thank them enough for what they do," said Graham. "The United States is all about the freedom that we have here. We love our nation and everything it represents."

"We are deeply proud of the way this event has unified our state in a singular demonstration of the appreciation we have for our armed forces," said Otis. "We look forward to continuing to grow and evolve the Salute from the Shore in the years to come."

The 79th Fighter Squadron recently returned from a deployment flying the last combat missions over Iraq.