CAF Red Tail Squadron to Participate in Historic Flyover of Capitol in Honor of WWII VE Day
Minneapolis, Minn. – April 13, 2015 – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, will participate in the Arsenal of Democracy, a large-scale flyover of our nation’s Capitol to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8, 2015. The Squadron’s P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen will join dozens of vintage WWII-era aircraft for this historic event.
The Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover will consist of 15 historically sequenced warbird formations representing the major events of WWII, beginning with Pearl Harbor and concluding with a tribute to those still missing in action. A ceremony to mark the occasion will be held at the National WWII Memorial. The Squadron’s P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen will participate in the “Ploesti Raid” portion of the flyover and will be joined by two other Mustangs, both D models, from the CAF’s Dixie Wing and Gunfighter group.
The flyover promises to be an amazing sight for the large audience expected to view the event, with the best vantage point at the Washington Mall. The first formation is estimated to be over the Lincoln Memorial at 12:10 p.m. ET, then will proceed over the National WWII Memorial, down Independence Avenue, then turn south back over the U.S. Capitol. For further information, visit www.ww2flyover.org.
“It’s a privilege for the CAF Red Tail Squadron to participate in the Arsenal of Democracy’s event because it is literally a flying tribute to those who sacrificed so much to serve their country and end the war,” said Brad Lang, CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader and pilot of the P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen for the event. “On this day we honor not only the Tuskegee Airmen’s contributions to the war efforts, but every man and woman at home and abroad who came together to help the U.S. and its Allies achieve victory over tyranny.”
The CAF Red Tail Squadron’s RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will be at the Carroll County Airport in Westminster, Md. during the Arsenal of Democracy flyover for a four-day open house which will include a demonstration and static showing of the P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen on May 9. For more information, contact Marvona Welsh, CAF Red Tail Squadron Logistics Coordinator, at marvona@redtail.org or (812) 240-2560.
About the CAF Red Tail Squadron
The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. Their three-fold outreach program includes an authentic, fully restored WWII-era P51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen; the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit 53’ mobile theater featuring the original panoramic film “Rise Above”; and educational materials and programs for teachers and youth leaders. The CAF Red Tail Squadron is part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). To learn more about the organization, it’s mission or to become a donor, visit www.redtail.org or follow the Squadron on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cafredtailsquadron.
About the Commemorative Air Force
Collecting and flying warbirds for over half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the largest flying museum in the world. The CAF is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to honoring American military aviation history through flight, exhibition and remembrance. The organization feels this is best accomplished by keeping the aircraft flying. The CAF has approximately 11,000 members and a fleet of over 160 airplanes assigned to 70 units across the country. These units, comprised of CAF volunteer members, restore and operate the planes, which are viewed by more than 10 million spectators annually. Visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (877) 767-7175 for more information.
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Press Contact
Leah Block
Commemorative Air Force
lblock@cafhq.org
(713) 366-1481
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