On Sept. 25, 2020, approximately 70 vintage aircraft will take to the skies over Washington, D.C. to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Arsenal of Democracy (AOD) Flyover will feature historically sequenced formations representing the war’s major battles – from the Battle of Britain through the final air assault on Japan.
More than 20 different types of vintage military aircraft are scheduled to fly in formations beginning over the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The airshow is scheduled to begin at 11:30 EST with planes flying in two-minute intervals over the skies of the nation’s capital. The commemoration is expected to last approximately 70 minutes and will be live-streamed on the AOD’s Facebook page.
As a principle organizer of this historic event, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) – the world’s largest flying museum – will send 18 warbirds from 13 units across seven states to participate in the World War II Victory Commemoration Flyover. The CAF aircraft include a range of bombers, fighters and vital transport and support aircraft, all of which played crucial roles in World War II.
Participating CAF aircraft include some of the war’s most iconic warbirds, such as the:
- B-29 Superfortress FIFI
- C-47 That’s All, Brother
- P-51 Mustang Tuskegee Airmen
- B-17 Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey
- T-6 Texan Nella
- FM-2 Wildcat
- FG-1D Corsair
- P-51 Mustang Red Nose
- TBM-3 Avenger
- B-25 Mitchell Show Me
- P-51 Mustang Gunfighter
- L-5 Sentinel
- P-40 Warhawk
- B-25 Mitchell Devil Dog
- P-39 Airacobra Miss Connie
- B-25 Mitchell Yellow Rose
- L-5 Sentinel Gayle Ann
- TBM Avenger Doris Mae
“The CAF is dedicated to educating, inspiring and honoring through flight and living history experiences,” said Hank Coates, president, Commemorative Air Force. “We’re proud to serve as a principle organizer of the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover to help ensure we recognize and remember the enormous sacrifices of our nation’s heroes.”
Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force has amassed 175 World War II aircraft – the largest collection of vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 11,000 volunteers across 83 units, the CAF’s educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling hands-on access to history.
For more information about the Commemorative Air Force, please visit www.commemorativeairforce.org.
Related Articles
75th WWII Commemoration Warbird Flight Details
Updates for the Events of the 75th WWII Commemoration
Tri-Service Museums Mark the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day
Warbirds Have Arrived in Hawaii for WWII 75th Anniversary Celebrations
Arsenal of Democracy Flyover – Washington DC Area – September…
American Airpower Museum’s August 1st Grand Reopening to Feature Flyovers
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Be the first to comment
Graphic Design, Branding and Aviation Art