Airmen part of largest 'torchlight' parade to honor Armed Forces Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Taylor Curry
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AFNS) --  Airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base were part of one of the larget torchlight parades in the country when they helped celebrate Armed Forces Day May 18.  It was the 75th anniversary of Spokane's festival honoring both active duty and veteran members of the community.

Established in 1938, the Spokane Lilac Festival celebrates Lilac City, Spokane. the Spokane Lilac Festival dedicates itself to involving local youth, the nation's military and establishing community spirit in the Inland Northwest.

The Spokane Lilac Festival participates in a variety of events that support local armed service men and women, including partnerships with Toys for Tots, Fairchild Air Force Base, Veteran Benefit events and Spokane Navy Week.

In the 1970s, the festival combined the Torchlight Parade with the Grand Parade, melding it into the nation's largest Torchlight Parade on Armed Forces Day.

"I had a great time watching the Torchlight Parade," said Capt. Ryan Mueller, 92nd Air Refueling Wing chief of adverse actions. "It was a pleasure to be part of an event that really brought the surrounding areas together and celebrated all that the Spokane community has to offer."

"Being a part of the parade this year was very exciting," said Airman 1st Class Janelle Patino, a volunteer for the parade. "Seeing all the people gather to honor our service members made me very proud to be serving my country. Hopefully next year I'll be able to volunteer again."