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Gold Star families honored in Memorial Day ceremony in downtown Tampa

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Published  May 26, 2025 5:33pm EDT
Tampa
FOX 13 News
Memorial Day ceremony in downtown Tampa

Memorial Day ceremony in downtown Tampa

Lloyd Sowers reports.

The Brief

    • Gold Star families were honored in a ceremony at a downtown Tampa park that was built in cooperation with MacDill Air Force Base.
    • While American flags and uniforms dominated the event, the military uniforms of other nations were also seen in the audience.
    • Centcom's Chief of Staff, Major General Brandon Tegtmeier, delivered the main speech, telling Gold Star Families that the nation won't forget their sacrifice.

TAMPA, Fla. - On Memorial Day, Americans pay tribute to their military men and women who have died serving their country all over the world. 

"My husband was Captain Alan Aertker, [who] was killed in a plane crash over Germany," said Jean Aertker. "We had a two-year-old daughter, and, at the time, we were stationed in England." 

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Local perspective:

Aertker and other Gold Star families were honored in a ceremony at a downtown Tampa park that was built in cooperation with MacDill Air Force Base. 

While American flags and uniforms dominated the event, the military uniforms of other nations were also seen in the audience. They're from the Multinational Coordination Center at MacDill. 

It was formed after the 9/11 Attacks at U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East. 

READ: Memorial Day marks first American Legion Post 273 ceremony since reopening after hurricanes

What they're saying:

"Whether it was General Franks in the beginning to General Kurilla today, they're still there. they're still steadfast," said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Chip Diehl, who served as base commander.

Centcom's Chief of Staff, Major General Brandon Tegtmeier, delivered the main speech, telling Gold Star Families that the nation won't forget their sacrifice. Tegtmeier greeted them personally and helped dedicate a wreath on a monument at the park. 

The Source: The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Lloyd Sowers. 

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