BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are not only performing during this year’s Field of Flight Air Show in Battle Creek over the weekend, but they’re also taking time to recognize the 100th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the Republic of Latvia.
The well known demo team plans to recognize the relationship between the two nations on their Saturday, July 2 performance at the Air Show which runs through Monday, July 4.
A news release from the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs stated that Michigan and Latvia have particularly close ties, as Michigan has one of the largest Latvian-American populations in the country and, since 1993, a rich defense cooperation under the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program.
In the release, Adjutant General and Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs Director Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers said, “We could not be more grateful to the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds for paying tribute to our Latvian allies for their partnership, courage, and zeal for freedom in such a spectacular and meaningful way.”
Prior to the Thunderbirds’ July 2 performance, a spoken prelude will dedicate the alliance between the United States and Latvia.
Several high-level civil and military leaders from Latvia are expected to be in attendance, including Mr. Maris Selga, Latvian Ambassador to the U.S., and Maj. Gen. Andis Dilans, Latvian Defense Attaché to the U.S.
