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"Hangar 180" aircraft in formation were led by Pomeroy native and 1992 PHS Gary Peters in position No.1 in a North American P-64 World War II fighter. In position No. 2 was Amelia Hilsen, a Horizon Airline pilot in a WWII trainer North American AT-6, and flying position No. 3 was Chris Carswell, also in an AT-6.
By Dotty Van Vogt
POMEROY–A moving tribute to the fallen veterans of Garfield County culminated in two flyovers by members of the "Hangar 180" group out of Lewiston, Idaho on Saturday May 29 at 12 p.m.
Marc Pedersen, former music teacher at Pomeroy High School (PHS), opened the ceremony playing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and as he finished, three vintage World War II military planes flew over the cemetery in formation.
A brief history of Memorial Day was presented. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War as a day dedicated to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and until 1971 was observed on May 30. Background on the research and creation of the Fallen Veterans Memorial was followed by reading the names, ages and other information on the monument.
Maria Dispenza sang, "America the Beautiful," and Pastor Jon VanVogt presented a prayer. The dedication concluded with Pedersen playing "Taps," and another flyover, this time with one of the planes veering off in the "Missing Man Formation" salute to fallen military members.
The "Hangar 180" planes were led by Pomeroy native and 1992 PHS Gary Peters in position No.1 in a North American P-64 World War II fighter plane. In position No.2 was Amelia Hilsen, a Horizon Airline pilot in a North American AT-6 in a WWII trainer, and flying in position No. 3 was Chris Carswell, also in an AT-6 WWII trainer.
