This WW II Navy aircraft will honor Veterans with a flyover at the “Salute Our Veterans.” Photo courtesy of CAF SO CAL
Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura has a history of honoring Veterans. On Wednesday June 26, 2019, the senior living community will host their 11th annual “Salute Our Veterans” celebration with a ceremony recognizing residents of Cypress Place, as well as members of the public, who served their country. The event is free and open to the public. Come join them for this powerful tribute.
New to the event this year will be a WW II Warbird flyover presented by the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing aviation museum (CAF So Cal).
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) was founded as an all-volunteer organization to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States.
The CAF So Cal museum is located in hangars at the Camarillo Airport, and consists of 12 WWII era aircraft, many of which are flyable and perform in airshows. The museum is also home to an ever-growing collection of World War II aviation artifacts and displays, intended to preserve the memories and to honor the sacrifices of Americans in our country’s air wars.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with CAF So Cal this year for our event, and are incredibly honored that they will be presenting a flyover as part of our ceremony honoring local Veterans,” said Mike Macke, director of sales and marketing at Cypress Place. “We want to honor all Veterans, and make sure we don’t forget what they have done for their country.”
In addition to the flyover, a real Huey Army MEDEVAC helicopter will be on display from 11am to 1pm during the event. The helicopter on display has bullet holes from its time in Vietnam, according to Bryan Scofield of Scofield Catering and Management, the owner of the retired Huey. The helicopter is over fifty feet in length according to Scofield, and evokes powerful emotions in Veterans and almost anyone who sees it.
No less emotional will be the ceremony recognizing residents of Cypress Place, as well as members of the public, who served their country.
Leading the tribute will be a bagpipe processional by nationally known Pipe Major Bill Boetticher. Boetticher played at the funeral of former first lady Nancy Reagan. A military Color Guard presentation by the 1st Memorial Honors Detail will follow, followed by a special Veteran recognition, along with recognition of widows and widowers of Veterans. Keynote speaker will be Captain Michael France, Deputy Commodore for ACCLOGWING for Naval Base Ventura County.
Special words of thanks will be also be offered during the ceremony by Ventura City Mayor Matt Lavere, Fire Chief David Endaya, and Police Chief Ken Corney. There will be live musical entertainment, a flag folding ceremony, and TAPS will also be played at this touching tribute.
A free BBQ lunch will follow the powerful program. “Touching History”, a private war memorabilia collection by Tom Weaver will also be displayed, along with memorabilia from residents of the senior community.
CAF So Cal will also have a display of memorabilia curated from their extensive aviation museum, along with an Army jeep available for attendees to sit in or pose next to for photographs.
The event is free and open to the public. All Veterans are encouraged to attend, as well as families, friends and neighbors.
The event begins promptly at 11am with the flyover, and takes place on Wednesday, June 26th, 2019. Cypress Place Senior Living is located at 1200 Cypress Point Lane in Ventura. For more information or to RSVP, please call 805-650-8000.
Free shuttle parking will be available at Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura (corner of Ralston Street and Cypress Point Lane).
To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.
