Ball shining showcase of heritage

  • Published
  • By Capt Martha Petersante-Gioia
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Birthdays, for many, are a time to celebrate and enjoy the company of family and friends. Ellsworth Airmen took part in the traditional cake-cutting, dancing celebration on Sept 22 in the culmination of a year-long celebration of the Air Force's 60th Anniversary. 

Throughout the past year, the Air Force honored the pioneers of flight and those who fought to create a separate service focused solely on protecting the skies in 1947 with various Air Force-themed events throughout the globe. 

Additionally, Ellsworth recognized the 20th anniversary of the arrival of the B-1B Lancer to the base during the evening's proceedings. 

The underlying theme of an evening of elegance to remember heritage ran through all the evening's events. As the sun set, guests entered the Dakota's through an arch of swords and chamber music was performed the by the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra's string quartet. Guests were treated to a four-course meal, a newly choreographed routine from the Ellsworth Honor Guard Silent Drill Team, and the sights and sounds of Night Wing, from the Air Force Heartland of America Band. South Dakota Senator John Thune was the featured keynote speaker. 

"It is hard to imagine a world without the Air Force protecting the skies above," Senator Thune said. 

"The theme of the Air Force 60th Anniversary is 'Heritage to Horizons' which commemorates 60 years of air and space power. We honor the Air Force's rich heritage and pay tribute to the dedication, sacrifices and contributions of those who pioneered the skies, shape the air, space and cyberspace victories of today and those will continue to do so in the future," he said. 

The traditional cake cutting was held after dinner; in military tradition, the highest ranking officer in attendance and the most junior member attending shared the duty of cutting the first piece. Col. Naomi Boss, 28th Medical Group commander and Airman Basic Steven Daleiden, 28th Munitions Squadron, held that honor. 

Guest went on to dance the night way to the sound of Night Wing as Ellsworth closed out its birthday bash.