Oxford, Connecticut – July 3, 2020 – Airborne missions to celebrate our nation’s Independence now cover west coast to east coast for the busy D-Day Squadron. In addition to a six ship of C-47s flying Lake Tahoe and the Truckee area for “Truckee Tahoe Honor Flight” on July 4th, four additional C-47s will assemble in Washington, D.C. for “2020 Salute to America.”
“We fly to share living history and educate others of our freedoms today because of the Greatest Generation before us,” shared Eric Zipkin, chief pilot of the four ship for 2020 Salute to America. “We’re grateful the Department of Defense (DoD) has asked us to participate in the 2020 Salute to America. We are currently involved in planning and coordinating our support with the DoD.”
While flyover missions are underway celebrating Independence Day, a team of D-Day Squadron crew members, volunteers, and staff are preparing to roll out an entirely new program dedicated to the DC-3. The program intends to serve DC-3 type operators, pilots, mechanics, enthusiasts, historians, veterans and students in a worldwide effort to promote the continued airworthiness of these historical aircraft and their ongoing use in educational and living history efforts.
Led by chief pilot, Eric Zipkin of Tunison Foundation’s “Placid Lassie” C-47, the additional three C-47s participating are Dynamic Aviation’s “Miss Virginia,” Screaming Eagle and “Whiskey 7” of the National Warplane Museum.
“The Department of Defense is an active participant in the 2020 Salute to America. We are proud to help them celebrate our nation’s 244th birthday,” added Lyndse Costabile, marketing and corporate relations for the D-Day Squadron. “These aircraft also fly to salute the many men and women who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces.”
For 2020 Salute to America related interest, please contact the DoD Public Affairs office, 703-697-5131.
For D-Day Squadron media interest, please contact: Lyndse Costabile at lyndse@ddaysquadron.org or 904-404-9192.
For photos of the squadron aircraft involved and route graphic, please visit: 2020 Salute to America Flyover
Follow the D-Day Squadron flyovers, events and other missions on Facebook, and Instagram. Subscribe to their YouTube Channel for the latest video productions.
About the D-Day Squadron
The D-Day Squadron is the part of the Tunison Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It is currently in process of becoming a DC-3 society to promote DC-3 type aircraft airworthiness, serve members and promote static and flying displays for future generations. Its mission will educate and involve the next generation in “flying freedom” and celebrate everything the DC-3 has accomplished in war and peace.
In June 2019, the D-Day Squadron led an American fleet of 15 historic, restored C-47 World War II military aircraft to take part in a flyover of more than 30 international aircraft to drop over 200 paratroopers over the original 1944 drop zones in Normandy commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The event honored the citizen soldiers of the War, whose bravery led the Allies to the liberation of France, and then to an end of the devastating War in Europe. The Squadron’s education program takes the compelling story of the citizen soldier to audiences at airshows and events off the flight line to honor these brave Americans and ensure their memory and significance is appreciated for generations to come. The group’s efforts are funded through the generous tax-deductible contribution of their supporters. Learn more at DDaySquadron.org.
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