Please enjoy listening to KGMI's Podcast of the...
Our website currently features the 46th Annual Festival of Flags. We are now preparing the 47th Annual Festival - hope to see you Memorial day 2012!
Jerry Stewart - Keynote SpeakerHis message has always been simple - his love for America, his pride for our American people's grit and determination, and his tremendous respect for the great sacrifice made by those who have fought to keep us free, both past and present.
From guest hosting the local morning talk show on KGMI radio in Bellingham, Jerry began producing special holiday programs which became syndicated and air on approximately 400 stations across America and the world. Jerry is presently producing a daily nationally syndicated feature, "One Moment In America", and his book, "Saving America" speaks to what we must do now to save our great nation.
Jerry can be reached for appearances and interviews through his company, Vision Productions. His contact info is: visionpro@comcast.net (360) 961-5587
Debbie Debbie Chavez - EmceeLong-time Bellingham radio news anchor and talk show host. Now hosts a daily internet radio talk show heard by listeners in all 50 states and over 95 countries at www.debbiechavez.com. It is a faith-based show providing encouragement and advice for handling various life challenges.
“The annual Festival of the Flags event at Greenacres is truly a poignant tribute to our community’s warriors, who were willing to sacrifice so much to serve our nation. We all lead such busy lives that we need an event like this to remind us of the sacrifice others have made to keep us free and safe! I hope many parents bring their children.”
Dr. Mike Kirkelie - ChaplainChaplain Mike Kirkelie, Retired, U. S. Army, is a gratuate of Bellingham High School. He served in the Viet Nam war as an enlisted Army Soldier. He was assigned to a Combat Aviation Team in the Central Highlands. After the war, he accepted a call to Christian ministry and then entered the Army once again, this time as a Infantry Chaplain. He retired from the Army in 1995, and since then has assisted various local churches in Whatcom County. His wife of forty-five years, Kathy, and him make their home in Lynden.
Malcolm H. Oliver - Christian Recording ArtistOriginally from Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago, he has lived in Bellingham for the last 33 years. He is the Veteran’s Coordinator and Multicultural Director at Bellingham Technical College, and an honorary member of the American Legion Post 7. “I enjoy hearing the stories told by our veterans. I am honored to be in their presence. It is my turn to give back to my community as well as the soldiers that have protected me and kept me safe.” For more information about Malcolm, please check his website at www.MalcolmOliver.net
Riggs Nelson - Taps
Has played Taps for many years and for many events, usually as a member of the American Legion Post #7 Honor Guard in the Whatcom County area. He started by playing the taps echo for Mr. Cecil Banister, a top state bugler, in the late 1950’s.
"This is the least I can do for our Veterans".
Bellingham Pipe Band
We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary this year; making us one of the oldest continuing pipe bands in North America. We enjoy supporting our community and perform at many civic functions including” Veteran's Day, The Bellingham Highland Games and numerous performances at Navel Air Station Whidbey. The band is under the direction of Pipe Major Peter Rolstad and Pipe Sergeant Craig Wood.
The Heritage Flight Museum (HFM)
Has been established by the Anders family to help educate the public to understand and appreciate the contribution military aircraft, and the people that flew them have made to our heritage, national security and freedom. The primary focus of the HFM is on US Army Air Corps and US Air Force vintage "Warbirds": fighters, trainers, and liaison aircraft. Besides aircraft displays, HFM displays aviation restoration projects, models, and memorabilia. The museum plans to develop aviation education and youth education programs. HFM has re-opened in its new location at 4165 Mitchell Way in Bellingham. Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12-4 PM (Except on major holidays/holiday weekends) Flying Days will still be held on the third Saturday of the month. Phone 360-733-4422.
The Pakawalups ~ sisters
Cathie, Sue and Vicki, whose dad, was a B-17 pilot assigned to the 401st Bomb Group, a division of the Might 8th Air Force in England during WW II. The "Pakawalup" was the name of Vince’s favorite plane. The Pakawalups perform a patriotic show that showcases songs made famous by the many talented acts during the war years. They are all about keeping memories alive and hearts and spirits dancing! “Our dad, Vincent Ledray, is buried here and we hope we will do him proud!”
