JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Lt. Gen. Douglas Gabram, commanding general of U.S. Army Installation Management Command gave remarks at the Fiesta 2021 opening ceremony at Hemisfair Park in San Antonio June 17.
Gabram served as the senior commander for the Fiesta event, representing the partnership between the Department of Defense and San Antonio, known as Military City, USA®.
“I appreciate events like this which serve to remind us of the deep and meaningful links between this city and our service members,” the general said.
This year’s Fiesta Military Ambassadors were also introduced during the event. They include Army Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Murillo, Army Sgt. Alejandra Valdes, Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Hector Jaramillo, Marine Corps Sgt. Rosa Soto, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class David Rojas, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabriela, Air Force Tech Sgt. Lateshia Burgess, Air Force Tech Sgt. Arturo Gomez, Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Moriah North, and Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Robinson.
“I’m joined tonight by this year’s group of Military Ambassadors who represent the best and brightest of our military,” Gabram said. “I encourage you all to interact with these Ambassadors as you see them around. Engage them and learn about what they do every day.”
The night’s festivities included a performance by the United States Air Force Band of the West, the United States Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps, the United States Army Drill Team, “Fort Sam’s Own” 323d Army Band, the United States Army’s Golden Knights, and the introduction of Fiesta royalty.
The first San Antonio Fiesta took place in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory and heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto. Fiesta has grown into an annual 11-day event to include celebrations of San Antonio’s culture, food, fashion and more.