Riverside resident and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry Goldsworthy was honored recently with a celebration for his 107th birthday.
The event, staged Saturday, April 3, at Westmont Village in Riverside, included a parade of motorcycles and a flyover.
About 40 members of the Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle group drove through the gated community to Goldsworthy’s home, a news release states. The Blue Eagle Total Force Honor Guard from nearby March Air Reserve Base presented the colors.
Goldsworthy received proclamations and well wishes from many, including March Air Reserve Base, March Field Air Museum, state Sen. Richard Roth, the March Joint Powers Authority, the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce, Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Hewitt, Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and Riverside Councilmember Chuck Conder.
Goldsworthy spoke briefly before the Patriots led a flag salute, the “Happy Birthday” song and an American flag plaque presentation. A five-aircraft flyover ended the event.
Goldsworthy, who has lived in the community since 1990, also took a ride on a motorcycle.
He was born in Spokane, Washington, in 1914, graduated from college and had a long military career. He served during World War II, including time in Puerto Rico, Trinidad and the Philippines, the release states. Goldsworthy returned to the U.S. and held many military posts before retiring in 1973, according to the release.
His military decorations and awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and the Air Medal, the release states.