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TOP STORY OF THE DAY - Sabre Re-Dedication Friday
"We are here to dedicate this plane to those who served their country with the ultimate sacrifice," said Mayor Brian Wyndham Friday on the Clay County Courthouse lawn. "This project hit a few snags along the way, but we got it done."
Wyndham thanked all those who helped work on the project to refurbish the plane, an F-86F (52-5434) Sabre warplane. The memorial represents those who served during the Korean Conflict, from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953.
The jet fighter interceptor is one of only 100 planes still in existence and is on loan to the City of Brazil from the Wright Patterson Air Force Base and Museum in Dayton, Ohio. The contract for the plane cited the city would maintain the aircraft, and the Sabre had certainly seen better days in 2018 when the discussion began about what and how to bring the plane back to its glory.
In 2019, Wyndham announced the idea, hoping the project could be done in a year or two. However, the Covid-19 pandemic stopped many things, including the Sabre project.
Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Rick Burger stepped up to fund the project and was at the dedication ceremony.
"It is very humbling to be here," said Burger, who has lost loved ones who served their country in the military. "Duke Energy hires a lot of veterans, and the company was just announced as the 14th in the nation for employers of veterans. So we had to be part of this. It is so important for everyone to remember their sacrifice."
Veteran Robert "Bob" Bussing played taps after the 21-gun salute to end the dedication ceremony.
"I try to distance myself," Bussing explained but admitted 18 years of playing taps for various ceremonies is difficult. "It is such an honor each time."
NOTE: Happy Memorial Day Weekend.
A Memorial Day service will be held at noon Monday, May 29, at Clearview Cemetary, State Road 340, near Northview High School and North Clay Middle School.
The public is invited
