Three ship flyover to start the memorial ceremony
Family members, including those of recently honored aerial fire fighters and more than a thousand airmen of Charlotte's 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard attend an annual memorial ceremony as a way to remember all airmen who had died in the year prior, whether a current or past member. Following a flyover of three C-130 Hercules, the aircraft used by the wing to accomplish its missions, the names are pronounced of any Air Guard member who has deceased over the last twelve months to a bagpipe rendition of "Amazing Grace," the formation of airmen at attention for a twenty-one gun salute, then a bugler performing "Taps," and the laying of a wreath in honor and remembrance of those who have passed. (National Guard photo by Senior Airman Laura Montgomery, 145th Public Affairs)