On Friday, May 8, 2015, the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, one of the most diverse arrays of World War II aircraft ever assembled will fly above the National Mall in Washington, DC. The air show will be part of a three-day celebration that will coincide with a ceremony for veterans at the World War II Memorial.  This will be an amazing thing to see, so be sure to mark your calendar and be ready for a thrill of a lifetime.


The flyover will honor the heroes who fought in the War and those on the home front who produced the tanks, ships, and aircraft that enabled the United States and its Allies to end the war.  The Smithsonian will host special events and activities in honor of VE Day.

Vintage Military Aircraft Participating in the Air Show

The aircraft expected to participate include the P-40 Warhawk, P-39 Aerocobra, P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, FG-1D Corsair, B-25 Mitchell, B-17 Flying Fortress, and many others. Approximately two dozen different types of vintage military aircraft are being provided by multiple organizations and individuals including the Commemorative Air Force—providing fighter and bomber aircraft, to include the only flying B-29 Superfortress FIFI and Texas Flying Legends, Fighter Factory, and Fagen Fighters. The aircraft listed have agreed to participate in the flyover, but due to factors such as weather or mechanical issues, participating aircraft are subject to change without notice.

Schedule of Events

• Thursday, May 7, 2015 – Gala Dinner - Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.  A special dinner will pay tribute to World War II veterans and feature combat heroes sharing their personal stories of experiences in the European and Pacific theaters. The evening will be attended by friends of the aerospace community including senior military officials, corporate and association executives, veterans and our nation’s political leaders.
   
• Friday, May 8, 2015 – WWII Flyover - National Mall. The air show will feature an assortment of warbirds representing the major battles of World War II, from Pearl Harbor to D-Day with a final Missing Man Formation to “Taps.” The aircraft will start at the airspace over the WWII Memorial at approximately 12:10 p.m. and will fly from north to south for approximately 40 minutes. (Rain Date: Saturday, May 9) The best place to watch will be from anywhere along the National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. A wreath laying ceremony will be held at the WWII Memorial beforehand, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Hundreds of veterans, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and high-ranking representatives from many Allied nation's are expected to attend.
  
  See a map of the National Mall
   
• Saturday, May 9, 2015, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. - Family Day - Udvar-Hazy Center - A selection of the vintage planes will be on display at a special one day exhibit at the Smithsonian’s museum near Dulles International Airport. Through activities reflecting the WWII-era, visitors will learn about Victory Gardens, hear tunes from the Airmen of Note and swing dance to music from the war era, learn about the restoration of the Martin B-26B-25-MA Marauder “Flak-Bait”, participate in a paratrooper design challenge and more.

For more information, visit www.ww2flyover.org.

The Arsenal of Democracy: World War II Victory Capitol Flyover will be streamed live on Friday, May 8, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The link for the live webcast is www.usvets.tv/Events/ArsenalofDemocracy2015.aspx.