Staff Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad
Hundreds of residents, veterans, clergy, elected officials, and community leaders gathered outside the Ozone Park home of Staff Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, on Monday, July 27, transforming the quiet corner of 96th Street and 133rd Avenue into a moving tribute to a hometown hero whose sacrifice has united an entire community in grief and gratitude.
Mourners lined the block holding candles in tribute to Rampersad, the 28-year-old U.S. Army soldier, who was killed on July 17 during an Iranian missile strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. American flags lined the block and yellow ribbons adorned the trees near the Rampersad family home, where the family’s flag flew at half-staff.
During the vigil, organizers announced that Rampersad, who grew up in Ozone Park after immigrating from Trinidad and Tobago as a young child, had been posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant.
Following the presentation of colors by the John Adams High School JROTC, the pledge of allegiance, and opening prayers, Ozone Park Residents Block Association President Sam Esposito told mourners that, while nothing could erase the family’s pain, the neighborhood would continue standing beside them.
“Angel was not a stranger; Angel was one of us,” Esposito said. “She walked our streets; she grew up in our neighborhood.”
Esposito also announced plans to seek permanent tributes in her honor, including the co-naming of a portion of Cross Bay Boulevard. NYC Councilwoman Joann Ariola has already pledged to work toward the street co-naming so Rampersad’s legacy will remain part of the community she loved.
Pastor David Yankana, Angel’s church pastor, reflected on Rampersad’s deep faith and the highest ideals of sacrifice, quoting scripture that “greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Referring to the days when she had been reported missing, he offered words that brought comfort to many gathered, saying “She’s not missing anymore…Sarah is home.”
U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks said Rampersad answered the call to serve “because of her love for this nation” and announced her name would be entered into the Congressional Record so she would “always be remembered.” New York Attorney General Letitia James echoed this sentiment, describing her as a hero whose “quiet strength” and selfless service would live on, adding, “As long as we say her name, she will forever live in our hearts.”
Retired U.S. Army Reserve Col. Tom Sullivan, who served in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan and whose son is now on active duty, said no parent can imagine such a loss.
“You could never put yourself in the position of a family that lost a child,” Sullivan said, adding that when a fallen service member returns to a close-knit neighborhood like Ozone Park, the entire community shares in the family’s grief.
The vigil also served as a reminder that the nation mourns three other American heroes killed in the same attack: 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, Pvt. Isabella Gonzales and Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton.
As the ceremony concluded, Angel’s mother, Carol Acevedo, emotionally thanked those who gathered.
Community leaders also invited residents to line Cross Bay Boulevard following Friday’s funeral service to give Staff Sgt. Rampersad a final hometown farewell, honor her memory, and show her family they will never stand alone.