Proclamation officially opens Air Force Week Sacramento

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
SACRAMENTO, Calif. --  Air Force Week here officially began Sept. 8 with a proclamation ceremony on the steps of the California State Capitol Building.

In attendance at the event were California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy.

In the proclamation, which was read during the ceremony, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger relayed his praise for the Air Force and its men and women who wear the uniform.

"California is proud to be home to so many courageous Airmen," he wrote in the proclamation. "I extend my deepest appreciation to all members of the Air Force, both past and present."

Speaking at the event, Secretary Donley noted of the Air Force's relationship with California and how the state and service have shared a storied history.

"The Golden State is an incredible asset to the Air Force, now and in the future, and the state has played a vital role in the Air Force's history," he said. "Good schools, safe communities and good neighbors. I thank the people of California for what you do for the Air Force."

Air Force Week Sacramento, which runs through Sept. 13, consists of several events, including performances by Tops In Blue, the Air Force's Band of the Golden West and the Air Force Honor Guard drill team. The week culminates with an airshow at Mather Airport Sept. 12 and 13, where the Air Force's premiere aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, will be on display.

For more information, visit www.airforceweek.af.mil.