D-M Airman help celebrate Tucson's 232nd birthday

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alesia D. Goosic
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TUCSON, Ariz. --  Airmen from the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base honor guard presented the American flag during a ceremony at Presidio San Agustin de Tucson Courtyard Aug. 20 in celebration of Tucson's 232nd birthday.

The city of Tucson celebrates its birthday each year with a variety of festivities held throughout the month of August. This year's festivities include a birthday piñata, drinks and dessert party, Native American storytelling, arts and crafts, and many other free events around Tucson.

Among these celebratory events, the flag ceremony has been a Tucson tradition since 1975. This year's ceremony began with the posting of the colors by the D-M honor guard followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, invocation and introduction of special guests. The guests included Mayor Robert Walkup, Kristin Almquist, the director of the governor's Southern Arizona office, along with other Tucson politicians.

Base personnel attending the event were Brig. Gen. Robert Bartlett, mobilization assistant to the 12th Air Force commander, Col. Kent Laughbaum, 355th Fighter Wing Commander, Colonel Laughbuam's wife, Mary, and a marching flight of more than 60 Airmen.

Norma Niblett, a member of the birthday event planning committee, expressed her support for the military in the community and the importance of the military in Tucson's growth. She said "the city began with the military," and it's only fitting that the military be present for the celebration of the birthday.

"I consider it a pleasure for D-M to be thought of and to be considered part of the community," said General Bartlett. "That shows how well engraved D-M is as part of this community. And I'd like to thank the local community for continuing to think of us in that way."

After the introduction of guests, proclamations were read and the five flags that have flown over Tucson - including those of the modern U.S., the Confederate States of America, Spain, Mexico, the state of Arizona - were presented by members of the Tucson community dressed in period costumes. The ceremony ended with music, dancing and birthday cake.

"I think this is a unique experience to be able to celebrate the birthday of Tucson in this way and I'm glad I could take part. I feel that it's a great opportunity to learn about the community which gives so much to the base," said Airman David Poppe of the 355th Contracting Squadron.

For more information on Tucson birthday events, visit the Tucson's birthday website at http://www.tucsonsbirthday.org/.