Arsenal of Democracy Flyover

Arsenal of Democracy Flyover On Friday, September 25th, 2020, join us to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE D An historic event is planned in Washington, D.C. U.S.

In honor of the 75th Anniversary of the end of WWII, the Arsenal of Democracy is hosting a tribute to the men and women at home and abroad that made victory possible, including the contributions of our manufacturing sector that helped win the war. aircraft manufacturers were engaged in the greatest industrial effort in history. They went from producing a handful of aircraft to having thousands com

ing off of assembly lines. Often times rival aircraft companies worked together during wartime; allowing competitor’s planes to be produced in their own factories to boost the production for our men and women fighting abroad. In 1944 alone, the United States produced 114,000 combat planes.

The organizers of the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover were saddened to learn that Brigadier General Charles Edward McGee pa...
01/17/2022

The organizers of the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover were saddened to learn that Brigadier General Charles Edward McGee passed away on Sunday, January 16, at the age of 102.

McGee was a decorated U.S. Army Air Force and U.S. Air Force pilot, who was a Tuskegee Airman and served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. During his service, he flew a record 409 combat missions. McGee earned several military honors including the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Two Clusters and two Presidential Unit Citations. He was also awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 and inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2011.

McGee was honored for his service during both the 2015 and 2020 Arsenal of Democracy Flyovers commemorating the 70th and 75th anniversaries of the end of World War II.

"Brigadier General Charles McGee was a true American hero and the kindest and most humble patriot I have ever known. His dedication and service to our nation went far beyond his time and distinction as a three-war combat fighter pilot. He has been a role model to so many of us and even into his centenarian years, tirelessly promoted education and careers in the aerospace to future generations. Brigadier General McGee lived an exemplary life and we have been so blessed to have him be a prominent part of some very special aviation events. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He will forever live in our hearts and be remembered as a national treasure," said Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and Arsenal of Democracy Executive Committee member.

"For three-quarters of a century, Brigadier General McGee helped put a face on the triumphs, sacrifice and patriotism of the people who helped to win World War II while also serving as a source of motivation and inspiration for the tens of thousands who heard him speak about his time as a Tuskegee Airman. Our nation has lost a true patriot," said John Cudahy, President of the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), and Arsenal of Democracy Executive Committee member.

“The entire Commemorative Air Force family is saddened by the news of General Charles McGee’s passing. General McGee was a Hero of three wars, always leaning forward and clearing paths for others to follow while being humble, strong, outspoken and a beacon for all. General McGee was a Giant among men, a friend to all, a mentor to many and a shining example to our entire country. He, and his family, will be in our thoughts and prayers and he will forever be a part of the fabric of the Commemorative Air Force,“ said Hank Coates, President of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), and Arsenal of Democracy Executive Committee member.

(Photo- Brig. Gen. McGee speaks at the 2013 ICAS Convention. Photo credit, Marc St. Pierre.)

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Arsenal of Democracy Flyover

To honor the heroes who fought in World War II and those on the home front who produced the tanks, ships, and aircraft that enabled the United States and its Allies to achieve victory, one of the most diverse arrays of World War II aircraft ever assembled will fly above the skies of Washington, D.C. on Friday, September 25th, 2020 - the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day - as part of the Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover.

The flyover will include dozens of World War II aircraft flying in 24 historically sequenced warbird formations overhead. The formations will represent the War’s major battles, from Battle of Britain through the final air assault on Japan, and concluding with a missing man formation. Never before has such a collection of WWII aircraft been assembled at one location, to honor the large assemblage of veterans gathered at the National WWII Memorial for a ceremony.