Historic Flyover Highlights Impact of Aviation in World War II
Today marks the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the day when allied forces defeated Nazi Germany in World War II. As part of this historic anniversary, the most diverse display of World War II aircraft will paint the skies of Washington D.C. today. The Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover will commence today at 12:10 PM Eastern, to honor the heroes that enabled and achieved this historic victory.
The Arsenal of Democracy Flyover will feature more than 50 World War II-era bombers, fighters and training aircraft that will fly in a total of 15 historically sequenced formations, representing the war’s major battles. The aircraft will fly at an altitude of 1,000 feet AGL throughout Washington D.C airspace along a specific route that will take them over the Potomac River, Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol building and the National World War II Memorial, where a series of dedicated ceremonies will take place. Airplanes featured in the flyover will include the P-38 Lightning, the P-51 Mustang, the B-25 Mitchell, the B-24 Liberator and the only flying B-29 Superfortress, “Fifi” along with many more.
One particular formation known as the Ploesti Raid, will be featured as part of the flyover event. Also known as ‘Operation Tidal Wave,’ the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) set to the skies from Libya enroute to Romania on August 1, 1943 as part of a strategic bombing mission. A total of 177 B-24s made the flight, only 88 would return home (55 of which were badly damaged). 310 airmen were killed during the Ploesti Raid, one of the costliest for the USAAF in the European Theater. In addition to the Polesti Raid, other formation flights will include the Doolittle Raid, The Battle of Midway, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal Campaign and the Final Air Offensive, among many others. The formation series will conclude with a Missing Man formation, an aerial salute that is typically performed in memory of a fallen pilot.
Here at Garmin, we’re proud to sponsor this historic event today, as it resembles a significant cornerstone in history and an important opportunity to honor World War II veterans with these beautiful aircraft. We are honored to highlight the achievements and sacrifices of these individuals, one that will live on well beyond the celebration of Victory in Europe day and The Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover.
The post Historic Flyover Highlights Impact of Aviation in World War II appeared first on Garmin Blog.
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