Pilots to Be Honored With Monuments

In keeping with the city’s aerospace tradition, civic leaders are set to unveil granite monuments honoring five test pilots at a induction ceremony Saturday.

The newly installed monuments will be added to 45 others on the city’s Aerospace Walk of Honor along Lancaster Boulevard, organizers said. The walk was established in 1990.

“The city of Lancaster has been privilege over the years to host many great experimental test pilots whose great feats were performed right here at Edwards Air Force Base,” Mayor Frank Roberts said.

“It seems only fitting that the Aerospace Walk of Honor commemorate those who have distinguished themselves in the skies overhead and brought honor to this community.”

This year’s honorees include Air Force retired Maj. Gen. Fred J. Ascani, Air Force retired Lt. Col. Bruce Hinds, Stanley P. Butchart, Corwin H. Meyer and Louis W. Schalk.

Ceremonies will begin at noon with an introduction of the honorees followed by the unveiling of the 6-foot-tall monuments on Lancaster Boulevard at Fig Avenue, organizers said.

A formal banquet featuring the inductees will begin at 6 p.m. at the Essex House Convention Center, organizers said.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at City Hall and the Lancaster Performing Arts Center box office.