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Shaw and Sumter combine efforts to pay respects

SUMTER, S.C. -- Colonel Michael Byrne, 20th Fighter Wing vice commander was the keynote speaker and Capt. Betsy Dombert, 79th Fighter Squadron pilot was the mistress of ceremonies at the Sumter County Veterans Association Memorial Day Program at Mabry Park May 28. The program included a combination of Shaw members and community members. Colonel Byrne said in his speech, "Memorial Day is a day of opportunity to give thanks for all that we are blessed with. It should also be a day that we rededicate ourselves to our country and to American's living veterans and their families." (U.S. Air Force photo by Kimberly Champagne)

Shaw and Sumter combine efforts to pay respects

SUMTER, S.C. -- Shaw's Honor Guard renders a 21Gun Salute at the Sumter County Veterans Association Memorial Day Program at Mabry Park May 28. The program included a combination of Shaw members and community members. Colonel Byrne said in his speech, "Memorial Day is a day of opportunity to give thanks for all that we are blessed with. It should also be a day that we rededicate ourselves to our country and to American's living veterans and their families." (U.S. Air Force photo by Kimberly Champagne)

Shaw and Sumter combine efforts to pay respects

Published May 28, 2007
By Kimberly Champagne
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SUMTER, S.C. -- More than 200 Sumter and Shaw community members gathered at Mabry Park, Sumter, S.C. to pay respects to veterans as part of the Sumter County Veterans Association Memorial Day Program May 28.

The joint program included a combination of Shaw members and community members.

Colonel Michael Byrne, 20th Fighter Wing vice commander, was the key note speaker. In his speech he spoke of veterans and current active-duty Airmen "that had great courage, valor and singleness of purpose."

Additionally, he said "Memorial Day is a day of opportunity to give thanks for all that we are blessed with. It should also be a day that we rededicate ourselves to our country and to American's living veterans and their families."

Shaw's Honor Guard performed the 21Gun Salute, the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band Heritage Brass Quintet played patriotic music throughout the ceremony and Capt. Betsy Dombert was the mistress of ceremonies.

Three local high schools' U.S. Air Force Jr ROTC detachments participated in the honor guard, prisoner of war missing in action tribute and the raising of the flag at the end of the ceremony. Also, volunteers from the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 5 , Veterans of Foreign Wars post 3034 and the Marine Corps League participated in the memorial wreath ceremony.

"Memorial Day is a day that I remember my husband's and brother's contributions as an important part of American History," said Virginia Drayton, Sumter community member.