National Monument Replica Set Up In BA

KTUL

Dan Phillips

Broken Arrow - Memorial weekend ceremonies continue at Broken Arrow's Floral Haven Cemetery.

The first "Changing of the Guard" ceremony was held Saturday afternoon. Soldiers are guarding a replica tomb of the unknown soldier. The monument and soldiers are similar to the bigger tomb in Washington, D.C.

Director of Community Relations Steve Moeller said the men and women from the Starbase Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol  went to D.C. to learn how the real one is guarded. 

"At the actual tomb, this is exactly what happens there. It's a perfect reenactment," he explained.

The local Patrol took on the replica project back in 1995, and the've been doing it ever since.

"Since so few people get to go to Washington, D.C. and actually see this take place at Arlington, their suggestion was perhaps we can do something related to this," Moeller said.

Visitors to the cemetery have been signing a banner that will be sent to Oklahoma National Guard troops stationed overseas. The Blue Star Mothers organization is also collecting "Freedom Boxes", containing toiletries and comfort-food items, which will be sent along with the banner.

The banner is available to be signed and boxes can be left at the cemetery through Memorial Day.

For more information on what goes in a "Freedom Box", visit the Blue Star Mothers Web site through this link. 

Floral Haven's Memorial Day activities conclude with the Retiring of the Colors event at 5:00 p.m.

Civil Air Patrol assists Warbirds over Oklahoma Model Airshow

Written by SM Rick Rutledge

Sunday, 16 May 2010 13:27

EL RENO-- Civil Air Patrol members from both Edmond and Oklahoma City Composite Squadrons gathered Saturday May 15th at the El Reno Regional Airport in El Reno, Oklahoma for the 2nd Annual Warbirds Over Oklahoma model airshow and exhibition. More than 100 model aiplanes, crews and pilots arrived to a less than 500 foot ceiling and dense fog, but by 10am the weather had improved, the attendee’s spirits had lifted and the model airplanes dotted the skies over western Oklahoma. In addition to the airshow the airport's hangar 1 was utilized by the Model Aircraft Association for a model airplane simulator, the United States Air Force's F-22 Engine cutaway as well as a variety of other activities. The Civil Air Patrol cadets participated in a variety of duties including flightline security, air traffic advisory and they acted as set-up crew for the attendees. This was the second year for the Civil Air Patrol to be involved in this event; Warbirds Over Oklahoma Show Director Steve Kessey said "The event volunteers for Warbirds Over Oklahoma 2011 really appreciate the Civil Air Patrol's eagerness to come out and assist us for this big event. Their training and ability to perform tasks that we need done truly do serve a big role in Warbirds Over Oklahoma. My experience working with the young men and women of the CAP give me pride in the future of our Country." Mr. Kessey went on to say "The vital roles the Cadets played during this event with gate security, crowd control, and spotting for full scale (manned aircraft) helped with the event's success, not only in safety, but professionalism. I will always request their assistance during this event." The event drew close to 1,000 spectators over two days to the El Reno Regional Airport.