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Vintage WWII Planes to Fly Over Washington, D.C., May 8 to Commemorate V-E Day

February 3rd, 2015

LEESBURG, Va. - To honor the heroes who fought in World War II and those on the home front who helped to produce the tanks, ships and aircraft that enabled the United States and its Allies to achieve victory, a consortium of groups, including ICAS, are working together to organize and conduct a flyover of vintage World War II aircraft over Washington, D.C., Friday, May 8, 2015, the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

The Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Fly-Over will coincide with a ceremony for veterans at the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall. The flyover will include a vast assortment of World War II aircraft flying overhead in historically sequenced formations.

Approximately two dozen types of vintage military aircraft are expected to participate in the fly-over. Aircraft are being provided by multiple organizations, many of which are ICAS members.

The event itself is being organized by ICAS, the Commemorative Air Force, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and the Texas Flying Legends Museum.

Former President George H.W. Bush, former U.S. Senator Bob Dole and former U.S. Congressman John Dingell, all World War II veterans, are serving as honorary co-chairs of the event. Representative Sam Graves and Senator James Inhofe are involved as co-chairs of the Honorary Congressional Committee.

"From time to time, we need to remind ourselves just how much we have accomplished as a nation, said ICAS President John Cudahy. "May's Arsenal of Democracy flyover will provide us with exactly that kind of opportunity...a chance to recognize those men and women who made the sacrifices necessary to preserve freedom here at home and around the world...a moment in time to reflect on the awesome power of this country and its people when we focus on a common goal."

To stay up-to-date on the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover go to www.ww2flyover.org, or follow the event on Facebook and Twitter.