Blue Angels flyover Portland Headlight; Military service members honored
On Monday morning, August 30, 2021 the Color Guard saluted the U.S. Navy Blue Angels squadron as they performed a flight demonstration over Fort Williams Park.  The Color Guard included Cape Elizabeth resident and US Marine Veteran Captain James Huebener.  Huebener recognized the 13 United States military service members who were recently killed in Afghanistan on August 26.

Below is a transcript of Huebener's address:
This color guard stands here today atop Portland Head Light and overlooking the USS Eagle 56 War Memorial. Portland Head Light was the first lighthouse completed by the United States of America and the USS Eagle 56 was the last U.S. naval ship sunk in U.S. territorial waters during World War Two. 

We are here to honor all those who have been killed, wounded,  and served in the United States military over the last twenty years. We also stand here to honor all those who served alongside our military for the last twenty years.  

These men and women have served with courage and honor. They were true to their oath, to support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And obey the orders of the President of the United States. 

These men and women were, and continue to be, a symbol and guiding light to the world of what is morally right and fair. They are a symbol of what should be as outlined in the Declaration of Sentiments. 

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their powers from the consent of the governed” 

But just as important, these men and women served and fought for each other.  These band of brothers and sisters. 

We take this moment atop this beacon of hope, to name and honor all those who have died or who have been hurt in any way in this war. More specifically, the thirteen military service members recently killed at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.

1. United States Navy Corpsman Maxton Soviak, Age 22 of Ohio

2. United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal David Espinoza, Age 20 of Texas

3. United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Rylee McCollum, Age 20 of Wyoming

4. United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui, Age 20 of California

5. United States Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez, Age 22 of California

6. United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, Age 20 of Missouri

7. United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Darin Hoover, Age 31 of Utah

8. United States Marine Corps Sergeant Johanny Rosariopichardo, Age 25 of Massachusetts

9. United States Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole Gee, Age 23 of California

10. United States Marine Corps Corporal Daegan Page, Age 23 of Nebraska

11. United States Marine Corps Corporal Humberto Sanchez, Age 22 of Indiana

12. United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dylan Merola, Age 20 of California

13. United States Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss, Age 23 of Tennessee

May they, their families and friends find peace.

We as a nation must never forget our fallen and those who serve it by continuing to protect and build on these Declaration of Sentiments.


The Color Guard atop the Portland Headlight included:

US Marine Staff Sergeant Alexis Bustika, North Adams, Massachusetts
US Navy Petty Officer Daniel Goodnight, Tulsa, Oklahoma
US Navy Petty Officer Cris Roush, Aurora, Indiana
US Marine Veteran Captain James Huebener, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Special thanks to Jeanne Gross for her assistance in providing the Color Guard access to the Portland Head Light.
 

The Blue Angels will be in Brunswick, Maine on September 4-5 for the Great State of Maine Air Show.


Click below to access a short video clip:


Video courtesy of Scott Smart.





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