(TROY, MI) – The Troy Veterans Memorial Committee
hosts their annual Troy Veterans Day Ceremony at Troy Veterans Plaza, in front
of City Hall (500 W Big Beaver), Friday, November 11 at 11 am.
The
program will include a memorial brick dedication, the Raising of Colors and the
Laying of the Memorial Wreath on the Veterans Monument by honorary guests. Music will be provided by the Heritage
Concert Band of Troy. Mayor Louise
Schilling will lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Keynote speaker is Colonel Michael T.
Thomas,
USAF, Commander of the 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard Base,
Michigan.
The wing consists of 1,705 authorized personnel,
operating both the A-10 and KC-135 aircraft, and supports the requirements of
Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command and Air Force Special Operations
Command. His role as the host wing commander includes providing overall support
and services to 44 DoD and
DHS tenant organizations, including all branches of the military as well as the
Coast Guard and Customs Border Patrol. Nearly 6700 Active, Guard, and Reserve
military and civilian personnel call Selfridge Air National Guard Base home.
Colonel Thomas is a command pilot with over 4,000 hours
of flight time in the C-130 and KC-135. He began his military career in 1976
when he enlisted into the Air Force Reserves as a C-130 Loadmaster at Selfridge
Air National Guard Base. During his career, his duties have included instructor
pilot, flight commander, operations officer, squadron commander, operations
group commander, and wing vice commander. Colonel Thomas assumed command of the
127th Wing on June 4, 2011.
The
public is invited to bring individual flowers, bouquets, small flags and other
appropriate mementos to be placed on the walk of honor or at the base of the
Veterans Memorial in honor of a loved one or all veterans. The sale of
commemorative bricks ($60 each) will continue and the Veterans Memorial
Committee will dedicate them at future Memorial Day and Veterans Day
ceremonies.
For information
contact Cindy Stewart at 248.524.1147.
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