Proclamation kicks off Air Force Week Salt Lake City

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
SALT LAKE CITY (AFNS) --  A proclamation officially naming June 1 through 7 as Air Force Week Salt Lake City was declared here June 1 during a ceremony on the steps of the Utah state capitol building. 

Attending the event were Utah Governor Jon Hunstman Jr., Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff. 

"This is a great morning for Utah and the Air Force," Secretary Donley said during his remarks. "It marks another great moment in the intertwined histories of this state and the service." 

Air Force Week Salt Lake City will allow people from around the city and surrounding area to learn more about what the service does and how it does it through a variety of events and exhibits throughout the week. 

"This is a wonderful opportunity for two communities, the Air Force and the state of Utah, who rely heavily on one another, to fully understand what each is about," said Col. Patrick Higby, the 75th Air Base Wing commander at Hill Air Force Base in nearby Ogden, Utah. 

Also beginning June 1 is the "Our Nation's Defenders" showcase at Pioneer Park, located in downtown Salt Lake City. The showcase highlights various Air Force organizations, jobs, skills and abilities found on Hill AFB and provides an opportunity for the local community to interact with Airmen from the base. 

Some of the exhibits include the Air Force monster truck, "Afterburner," a combat medical tent display and an Air Force recruiting booth with various simulators and interactive games. 

The showcase runs through June 3 and is expected to draw large crowds. 

"Patriotism runs deep in this state," Governor Huntsman said. "We love our men and women in uniform and we are honored to salute the Air Force as part of Air Force Week here." 

During the proclamation ceremony, the Air Force Honor Guard performed a drill demonstration, the Stellar Brass Band provided music and a flight of F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted a fly-over. 

Other events will take place throughout the week, including performances by Tops in Blue, an Air Force art exhibit at the Salt Lake City library and a special performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. 

For more information or schedule of events, visit www.airforceweek.af.mil.