I went to the New York Air Dot Show this past weekend with some friends. Besides viewing aircraft, the West Point Parachute Team performed a few jumps.
West Point Parachute Team
West Point is the the U.S. Military Academy that trains the future officers and leaders for the US Army. West Point is on the Hudson River in New York and is actually not that far from where this air show took place.
West Point Parachute Team
According to their website ” More than 54 fourth class cadets try out each year for the 8-10 coveted spots on the roster.”
West Point Parachute Team
They compete and medal in the Collegiate Skydiving Championships.
West Point Parachute TeamWest Point Parachute TeamWest Point Parachute TeamWest Point Parachute TeamWest Point Parachute TeamWest Point Parachute Team
Some of the cadets after they jumped came up to the viewing area and high-fived kids who were watching.
West Point Parachute TeamWest Point Parachute Team
According to its facebook page “WPPT recruits future USMA Cadets through outreach demonstration jumps and national competition.” The air show had different booths people could see and they allowed people to get on some of the older planes to take a look. Different branches of service were represented.
I went to watch the osprey from one nest and low and behold these Marine helicopters flew by. Are these Osprey helicopters? That would be too funny if they were.
Osprey of Another Kind?
There were 6-8 of these flying by twos south along the Hudson River towards New York City. I had a zoom lens on and could not get the total number in one photograph. I am guessing they are getting ready for Memorial Day tomorrow.
Osprey of Another Kind?
All gave some; some gave all.
Howard William Osterkamp, Korean War veteran US Army
Remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces.
American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute brings war memorials around the country. They have a Vietnam Wall, Iraq and Afghanistan Wall, 9-11 Wall, plus tributes to those who died in other conflicts. When I heard this was going to be in the Hudson Valley I decided I needed to see this.
Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls, NY hosted this event. I understand Dutchess County arranged for this exhibit to be at the park. Your town, county, etc. can contact this group to arrange the American Veterans Traveling Tribute to visit.
Afghanistan and Iraq
American Veterans Traveling Tribute
The Iraq and Afghanistan Walls are arranged by year of death. Within the year they are alphabetical.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute- Jason Lehto, Marine SSGt. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Tech.
I added this in because I know someone who served with Jason Lehto and from my understanding Jason does not get included on a lot of lists like this. It was non combat yet it was a related to IED or explosive diffusing. I think death by any any enemy weapon should be considered a combat death.
World Trade Center, Planes, and Pentagon
Many locals are on the World Trade Center part of this wall. I was careful not to include people in these pictures and even removed some when they were there.
American Veterans Traveling TributeAmerican Veterans Traveling Tribute
The names of who died in the World Trade Center terrorist attacks are arranged alphabetically. These are the ones who died in the towers. Many locals to the Hudson Valley are on the Towers Wall as people commute from here to the city. Same is true with Long Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute- Michael Finnegan- Worked at Cantor Fitzgerald
Some locals to the Hudson Valley remember Michael Finnegan who grew up here. I’m including his name for those who knew him.
The county arranged veteran’s events at the same time this exhibit was occurring and local county veteran’s related services set up tables.
Vietnam Wall
American Veterans Traveling Tribute – Vietnam WallAmerican Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam WallAmerican Veterans Traveling Tribute – Vietnam Wall in the backgroundAmerican Veterans Traveling Tribute
Lebanon
American Veterans Traveling Tribute – Lebanon
Other conflicts are covered with information about casualties, but not names including WW1, WW2, and Korea.
Not everyone can get to DC or other places to see memorials like the Vietnam Wall. Not everyone is comfortable going to New York City to visit the World Trade Center Memorial. This exhibit brings these memorials to them.
For more information or to see where this exhibit is next click on the link below:
Sharon's Iconic Travel Photography Blog 