Memorial dedicated to 203rd RED HORSE Airmen on first anniversary of tragic plane crash
020302-Z-A3554-0024.JPG Photo By: Cotton Puryear

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia - More than 1,000 people turned out despite rainy, blustery weather to take part in the 203rd RED HORSE Flight memorial dedication held March 3, 2002, honoring the lives of the 18 Virginia Airmen and the three Florida Army Guard aviators who perished in a military transport crash one-year ago. More than 350 family members of those who perished, unit members, military and civilian dignitaries and guests attended the dedication held at the 203rd RED HORSE headquarters on Camp Pendleton, Virginia Beach. Several of the 28 chaplains who assisted family and unit members in the days, weeks and months after the crash also attended. Keynote speaker Mark Warner, Governor of Virginia, in his first public appearance as commander in chief of the state's National Guard forces, admitted, "This is an occasion when the remarks of a governor hardly seem adequate. These men were men of courage, judgment and integrity. But most of all, they were men of dedication. We honor them, and we thank their families for service to Virginia and the nation." (Photo by Maj. Cotton Puryear, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)


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