Edhat StaffSource: Santa Barbara Airport
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) will honor veterans this Memorial Day weekend by placing wreaths at the two distinctive World War II Memorials in honor of the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The first memorial, dedicated in 1948, is located in front of the Airport Administration Building at 601 Norman Firestone Road. A distinctive propeller from a Chance Vought F4U Corsair aircraft is a poignant reminder of the Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara and the men and women who served there during World War II. Its plaque states, “This Airport is dedicated to the memory of the pilots and air crews of the United States Marine Corps trained at this station who gave their lives to the country. Semper Fidelis. May 5, 1948.”
The second memorial, dedicated in May 2010, is located at the east end of the Airline Terminal Long Term Parking Lot on James Fowler Road. Designed as a place for reflection, the monument’s black granite obelisk and benches are flanked by olive trees and interpretive signage. The obelisk lists the names of local aviators who gave their lives during World War II and the Marine Corps Squadrons that served at the Santa Barbara base. Visitor access to both monuments is convenient and parking is free.
This Memorial Day weekend also marks the beginning of the summer travel season and is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. SBA expects Airport traffic to be heaviest on Friday (May 25) and Tuesday (May 29). Passengers are encouraged to give themselves a little extra time prior to departure.
I am confused. Memorial Day is to honor the dead soldiers, not veterans. That is Veterans Day in November. I am glad the airport is putting out these wreaths but the memorials are to remember those who lost their lives in war.