Queens soldier Sgt. Angel Rampersad gave her life in service to her community and country; on Monday, her community honored her sacrifice during an emotional candlelight vigil near her family’s home.
Hundreds gathered outside the Rampersads’ Ozone Park home on July 27. Neighbors came to their porches holding the nation’s colors high. Others packed the sidewalks and roadways, clinging to candles as they fought back tears.
Rampersad’s mother, Carol Acevedo, dried her own tears with a tissue as she looked out of the mass of humanity, both loved ones and strangers alike.
“I would just like to thank everyone for their love and support and their kindness that has shown for me and my family. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” Acevedo said in a trembling voice.
Rampersad was killed in the Middle East on July 17 during an attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. The 28-year-old native Trinidiadian was raised in Ozone Park, and remembered as someone devoted to her community, and her country.
“Angel Rampersad was not born in the United States of America, but Angel Rampersad was willing to die for the United States of America. That takes a lot of courage,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said. “Trinidad may have been where Angel was born, but Angel was the epitome of the American Dream. Angel fought like an American, and Angel will live forever in our hearts as a true American hero. Her memory will echo down this street, throughout this community, and across this borough and nation.”
During the mournful celebration of life, those who knew her said that Rampersad had wanted to join the army from a young age, even when she was not old enough, she yearned to serve.
In honor of her ultimate sacrifice, Ozone Park Residents Block Association President Sam Esposito announced that not only would the local street be renamed after the hometown hero, but the organization would also be asking permission to rename the local school, PS 63, after Rampersad.
Esposito also shared the news that Rampersad had been promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.
In addition to the hundreds of locals who came to pay their respects to Rampersad, a slew of elected officials gathered alongside them, including Attorney General Letitia James, U.S. Reps. Gregory Meeks and Grace Meng, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and others.
“I just wanted to say thank you to Angel. Thank her for her sacrifice. She answered the call of service to this country, and she paid the highest price. I am so aware that when I speak, how I speak, when I critique, how I critique, it is in a country that allows me to do that because of the sacrifices of people like Sergeant Rampersad,” Williams said. When the cameras leave, when we are all gone, please remember this family. That’s when they’re going to need you the most.”
The evening ended with white doves being released from baskets. The funeral is expected to take place on Friday and will itself conclude with a procession through the neighborhood.
Dean Moses
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