Mates, household and neighbors gathered in Ozone Park Thursday morning to pay tribute to Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, a Queens resident who died throughout an Iranian missile strike on a US base in Jordan final week.
Rampersad, 28, who was born in Trinidad and moved to the USA when she was two, died throughout an Iranian strike on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17.
Rampersad’s mom, Carol Acevedo, spoke by tears throughout Thursday’s press convention, telling attendees that she was “highly proud” of her daughter.
“She fought for this country and she died for this country,” Acevedo mentioned. “I am a mother that was highly proud of her. I know she was really, really focused on what she was doing.”
Photograph by Shane O’Brien.
Rampersad’s household, buddies and neighbors remembered her as a “hometown hero” who will “never be forgotten” in a vigil and press convention held outdoors her household house on 96th Avenue on the morning of July 23. A bigger group vigil will happen at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 27.
In entrance of the household house, which flew an American flag at half-staff. Rampersad’s aunt Judy Rackal, who spoke on behalf of the household. She mentioned Rampersad had all the time dreamed of becoming a member of the army, including that she enlisted just a few days after her twenty first birthday.
Judy Rackal speaks throughout Thursday’s vigil. Photograph by Shane O’Brien.
Rampersad was stationed in Hawaii for 3 years and spent one other three years in Germany earlier than re-enlisting and being transferred to Jordan.
Earlier, she attended P.S. 108, M.S. 202, and Forest Hills Excessive Faculty, after which studied at Queensborough Group Faculty and John Jay Faculty.
“Angel also spent a good deal of her vacation time in her birth country of Trinidad, where family members and many of her friends are mourning,” Rackal mentioned.
Rampersad’s sister Laura Tamby, nephew Liam Tamby, stepfather Anastasia Acevedo and finest pal Bryana Martinez additionally appeared at Thursday’s vigil. Her organic father is at present making an attempt to make plans to journey to the USA from Trinidad, whereas Rampersad’s spouse stays on a U.S. base in Jordan, a household pal advised reporters.
Rampersad’s household was current in Dover Air Power Base in Delaware on Wednesday for the dignified switch of her stays, attended by President Donald Trump and Secretary of Battle (Protection) Pete Hegseth.
Sam Esposito, president of the Ozone Park Residents Block Affiliation, which organized Thursday’s vigil, mentioned the group is standing with “broken hearts” within the wake of Rampersad’s demise.
Sam Esposito speaks at Thursday’s vigil. Photograph by Shane O’Brien.
“We thank Sgt. Rampersad’s family for allowing the community to stand beside them during such an unimaginable, painful time,” Esposito mentioned. “We’re grateful for his or her kindness, energy and hospitality as they mourn this devastating loss.
“This family did not simply lose a hero; they lost a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, relative, and friend. Behind the uniform was a deeply loved person whose absence will forever be felt.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, in the meantime, described Rampersad as a hero and counseled her for her bravery in serving the nation. Richards beforehand criticized Trump over Rampersad’s demise, stating that she was killed in a “reckless war that Americans don’t support.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards consoles Rampersad’s mom Carol. Photograph by Shane O’Brien.
Nevertheless, he mentioned Rampersad’s bravery and repair must be celebrated, no matter opinions on the struggle itself.
“No matter what you think of this war, what is not up for debate is the bravery it takes to enlist like Angel did seven years ago,” Richards. “It’s not up for debate how special of a person you have to be to wear the uniform and serve our nation.”
Richards has pledged to advocate for Rampersad’s house avenue to be co-named in her honor (avenue renamings are usually permitted by the Metropolis Council), in addition to pledging to petition the Faculty Development Authority and Division of Schooling to call a faculty after her.
“Angel will forever be our hero here in Ozone Park,” Richards mentioned. “At minimum, the least we can do is rename this street in her honor.”
Photograph by Shane O’Brien.
