New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the funeral of Army Sgt.
Angel Sarah Rampersad in Queens but was not permitted to speak, according to reports on July 31, 2026.
Sgt. Rampersad, one of three U.
S.
service members killed during an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17, was honored by family, officials, and military leaders at the Ozone Park church funeral.
The mayor was reportedly prepared to deliver remarks but was not called to speak, as Rampersad's family chose to avoid political distractions, according to a source familiar with the event reported by the New York Post.
Mayor Mamdani's office later released his prepared statement, which included, "It is often said that our fallen 'gave their tomorrows for our today.'
Sergeant Rampersad had tomorrows waiting for her: birthdays, ordinary mornings, evenings spent with her loved ones.
But she gave every one of them up so that we could have ours — so that we could stand here today, safe and protected."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul delivered remarks at the service, saying, "I feel after reading and admiring this woman from a distance, I feel like she could be one of my daughters."
Governor Hochul also reflected on the sacrifice of immigrants who serve the country, stating, "I wish people would take notice of the fact of how many people came here, being born elsewhere, who actually step up and are willing to shed blood for a country that they were not born in; that is a lesson that should be observed."
General Glenn Henke, commander of the 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command, praised Rampersad as an exceptional and motivated soldier, noting that "Staff Sergeant Rampersad had the potential to go as far in the Army as she decided to go.
Nothing was going to stand in her way."
Rampersad's mother, Carol Acevedo, spoke emotionally to mourners, recalling her daughter as a hero and urging other parents to cherish their children.
"My daughter was a real hero, and I will miss her dearly," she said. "All those who have kids, love your kids, hug them.
I don’t have mine to hug anymore. But to those who have, embrace them, cherish them, and be there for them."
The funeral procession was led by the NYPD Highway Patrol, with military veterans, FDNY officials, and police saluting as Rampersad's casket, draped with the American flag, was carried into the church.
She was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant and laid to rest at Long Island National Cemetery.
Sgt.
Rampersad, 28, originally from Trinidad and raised in Ozone Park, New York, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment in Germany.
She died alongside 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan and Pvt.
Isabella Gonzales while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
