MACON, Ga. -- Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, personnel joined the ‘Pinkest Party on Earth’, when they traveled to Macon, Georgia, and participated in the 2025 International Cherry Blossom Festival March 23.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets as Col. Deedrick Reese, Robins Installation and 78th Air Base Wing commander, and Col. Sandra Bonney, 461st Air Control Wing deputy commander, led a contingent of Airmen through the heart of downtown Macon in two Light Medium Tactical Vehicles from the 5th Combat Communication Group, down Cherry Street, as the Robins AFB Honor Guard unit marched ahead of them, drawing cheers from the crowd.
While attending the parade showcased equipment and personnel of Team Robins, participating in the parade offered the chance of a lifetime for one special Robin AFB member.
“Being from D.C., and with my last name, I always wanted to go to their cherry blossom festival, but could never find the time,” said Airman 1st Class Jazmine Cherry. “Now I have the unique opportunity, not only to go, but participate in my first cherry blossom festival right here in Macon.”
The parade offered a unique opportunity for residents to interact with military members and share their appreciation for the impact Robins has made on the local community, a feeling not lost on the uniformed participants.
“We can’t turn a corner around Macon, or Middle Georgia for that matter, without being thanked for our service,” said Bonney. “It is truly an honor to support our local community, and we thank them for inviting us to take part in this event.”
The parade featured over 50 entries, including vibrant floats, energetic marching bands, as well as Middle Georgia and Japanese dignitaries. A patriotic atmosphere enveloped the streets as dozens of marching bands and Junior ROTC units from surrounding counties wound through a sea of pink, showcasing their precision drill movements and musical talents while passing under a canopy of blooming Yoshino cherry trees that have become synonymous with Macon each spring.
“Even though this is my third time marching in the parade, I always like seeing people enjoying themselves as we march by,” said Senior Airman Ta’Kera James, Honor Guard assistant flight sergeant. “The look of sheer admiration and respect we get can’t be explained into words.”
The following afternoon, guests were entertained by the visiting U.S. Air Force Academy Band’s pop music group, Blue Delta, from Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. In addition to a personalized rendition of America the Beautiful, the band covered a selection of songs from a variety of genres, including classic rock, top 40, R&B and country for the ‘Heroes’ Day’ event, put together by the city of Macon as a community thank you to all active, retired, reserve and veteran military members, Department of Defense civilian employees, first responders and their immediate family members.
The ensemble group routinely tours across the nation and overseas, enhancing community relations and supporting the recruiting mission of the U.S. Air Force and USAFA by instilling the Air Force core values of Integrity, Service and Excellence in our nation’s youth.
“We’re so excited to be here in a city deeply rooted in musical traditions and a community with strong military ties,” said Blue Delta drummer, Tech. Sgt. Erick Eckstrom. “It’s truly an honor performing on ‘Heroes’ Day’, as we celebrate our countries veteran and active-duty members.”
The city's connection to the cherry blossom dates back to 1949, when the late William Fickling Sr. discovered a Yoshino cherry tree in his backyard. The tree's uniqueness led him to propagate and share it throughout Macon, transforming the city into the ‘Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.’
Macon’s own Carolyn Crayton, inspired by Fickling's dedication, spearheaded the planting of 500 Yoshino cherry trees in 1973, laying the foundation for the festival and to celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossoms and the values of community, heritage and international friendship.