Dedication Ceremony for the F-16 Thunderbird Static Display Postponed
The Union Local Afterburners Committee announced on Facebook that the dedication ceremony for the F-16 Thunderbird static display will take place at a later date than was originally planned for June 22.
This decision comes as construction of the dedication wall has taken longer than expected, according to the post. Additionally, the dedication committee, which was coordinating the event with the United States Air Force, set that date to coincide with the Niagara Falls Air Show but found out that event will not take place this year.
A flyover by the Air Force Thunderbirds was planned for the dedication ceremony. In an official statement, the Air Force cited the cause as “the allocation of resources to ongoing operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility”, in other words, the ongoing war with Iran.
“Because of these developments, and in order to allow the project to be completed properly, the Afterburners Committee believes it is best to move the dedication to a later date so the ceremony can be celebrated in the way this historic honor deserves,” the post said.
The Union Local Afterburners Committee remains fully committed to completing the project and hosting a dedication ceremony in the near future, the post notes. “We look forward to announcing a new date once plans are finalized,” the committee added. “We appreciate the continued support of our community, alumni, The United States Air Force, The Thunderbirds Association and everyone who has helped make this project possible. We cannot wait to come together and celebrate this incredible honor for Union Local at a later time.”
This project will result in a retired U.S. Air Force jet permanently displayed on the Union Local School grounds along SR 149.
The cost of the project is totally financed by by private donations, not tax dollars,
The committee’s Facebook page provides updates and information.
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