NEW YORK, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The first Air Force Week of 2010kicked off on Tuesday in New York City with U.S. Air Force Thunderbirdsaerial demonstration team conducting a six-plane flyover of theaircraft carrier Intrepid marking the start.
New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly declared theopening of Air Force Week at the proclamation ceremony with the themeHonoring Hometown Heroes at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum inManhattan .
"It's an honor to recognize the contributions and sacrifices thatthe men and women of the United States Air Force have made since itsinception in the defense of America and its allies around the world,"said Commissioner Kelly.
It is the first Air Force Week ever held in New York Cityscheduled from August 24th through August 29th. Along with the HudsonRiver flyovers, the City is holding events including special Air ForceNights with the Brooklyn Cyclones, New York Mets, and Staten IslandYankees, and an appearance by the Thunderbirds at the Atlantic City AirShow on Wednesday afternoon.
Air Force Week also brings Airmen to New York neighborhoods totell their stories, as well as gives them an opportunity to thank thepeople of New York City for their support.
"I feel wonderful that I am still here. It has been a long time. Iam glad the city has the recognition for us every year," Al Maher, aveteran Air Force man told Xinhua.
Air Force Weeks were established in 2006 to provide the bigpicture of the U.S. Air Force mission and way of life. The second AirForce Week of 2010 will be held in Cocoa Beach, Florida from October26th through October 31st.
