On September 2, Major General Mark Zamzow, the Vice Commander of the 3^rd Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, and the U.S. Embassy Office of Defense Cooperation joined Deputy Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan, Sasnahen Mayor Andranik Shomian, and Sasnashen residents to commemorate the 54rd anniversary of the crash of a U.S. C-130 airplane on Armenian soil.  The event was held at the C-130 memorial in Sasnashen, located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the plane crash site.

Representing the U.S. Department of Defense, Major General Zamzow delivered remarks at the event, thanking the community of Sasnashen for the respect and honor they have shown the fallen airmen.  “I was deeply touched when I heard that the citizens of Sasnahsen still remember this event, and have conducted a memorial remembrance every year since 1958 to commemorate the aircrew that died that day….The manner in which you conduct this ceremony, and the way in which you maintain this memorial, speaks volumes for your strength as a community,” said Major General Zamzow.  Major General Zamzow also mentioned that he piloted a C-130 aircraft earlier in his career, and that he understands first-hand the risks that pilots face.  

During the event, personal effects were returned that were found at the crash site. 

Many Sasnashen residents also attended the event.  School children walked to the memorial carrying Armenian and U.S. flags, and one elderly resident recalled the day of the crash.  “I heard the explosion close to my house and came running to see what happened,” she said. 

According to local accounts, the U.S. airmen maneuvered their aircraft away from the village to spare civilian lives as it crashed to the ground.  “This final act of bravery,” said Major General Zamzow, “was an instinctive reaction for these airmen, and it was simply the right thing to do.”