(NewsNation) — The U.S. military is no stranger to the annual Bethpage Air Show, which unofficially ushers in the start of summer for Jones Beach beachgoers in Long Island, New York each Memorial Day weekend.
The U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachute team brought their high-flying act to the skies on the opening day of the air show.
The performance requires a combination of teamwork and precision to create the magic of aerial work by skilled soldiers who are part of the Golden Knights. NewsNation got a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the team so critical to the Army’s success.
The Golden Knights’ 26-member parachute team, aircraft pilots, and those who coordinate jump logistics on the ground coordinate efforts before team members strap on their parachutes in advance of the jump.
One in the air, parachuters travel at a rate of 120 mph during performances like the one that took place under pristine skies on Saturday in Long Island. This year’s Bethpage Air Show continued into Sunday before the event was cut short, organizers said.
The appearances not only showcase the team members’ skills but also assist with Army recruitment practices. The Bethpage Air Show typically draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to commemorate Memorial Day to honor those who died in service to the United States.
This year’s event also included an added element.
Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County executive said that this year’s event included a sounding of sirens and local church bells as air show attendees stand at attention to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Remember, there were 18-19-year-old kids who never got a diploma, never got to start a family, never had a life because they made the supreme sacrifice for us to be free,” Blakeman told NewsNation.
The Golden Knights parachute team will perform in North Carolina to welcome in June before they travel to France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day attacks.
The Blue Angels, representing the U.S. Navy, also performed at the Bethpage Air Show over the holiday weekend as what will be more than 200 appearances by U.S. military members around the country.