On the 70th anniversary of Victory Day and to honor World War II veterans, 56 planes flew over Washington, D.C. during the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover. The planes flew very low, at altitudes of 1,000 feet, so that spectators could easily see and hear the various military planes that flew during World War II. They would cross over the Lincoln Memorial and then bank left to cruise along Independence Avenue, covering the entire length of the National Mall. Thousands of spectators gathered on the grass, balconies, and rooftops to see the rare flyover.
Before the commemorative flights, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the World War II Memorial with hundred of World War II veterans in attendance. At the conclusion of the ceremony, small winged specks grew larger as they approached. The buzz and roar of planes zoomed overhead in various formations symbolizing major campaigns of the war. It was a great experience to see, hear, and feel these craft for the first time.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography Visitors to the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC dressed in military uniforms of the era.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography Douglas A-26 Invader.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography A spectator with a spotting sheet to help identify the aircraft during the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover in Washington, DC.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography Boeing PT-17. The military training plane that trained more Navy cadets than any other basic World War II trainer.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography As “Taps” plays, a formation of World War II fighter planes make a final pass over the National Mall in Washington, DC as one plane, a Vought FG-1D Corsair, releases smoke.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography A B-24 Liberator, named Diamond Lil, flies over Washington, D.C. during the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography P-51 Mustangs.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography A B-29 Superfortress, named Aluminum Overcast, flies over Washington, DC during the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography A B-17 Flying Fortress, named Fifi, flies over Washington, DC during the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography Boeing PT-17. The military training plane that trained more Navy cadets than any other basic World War II trainer.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography Staff Sergeant (ret.) Elizabeth Copp, 96, sits with a portrait of her younger self at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. She was stationed in London at age 23.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography P-51 Mustangs.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography A T-6/SNJ. Trainer aircraft that taught pilots how to fly and shoot.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography Beech AT-11 Kansan. Trained bombardiers and pilots for multi-engine flight.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography A T-6/SNJ. Trainer aircraft that taught pilots how to fly and shoot.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography Michael Reis dips and kisses his wife, Christine, at the conclusion of the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover in Washington, D.C. The flyover honored World War II veterans during the 70th anniversary of V-Day.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography Bob Krausch of New Jersey was a flight instructor that trained British pilots during World War II. He became a general practice attorney after the war.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography A B-24 Liberator escorted by three P-51 Mustangs making it’s approach over the National Mall.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography Piper L-4 Grasshopper. These were utility transport/scout planes.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography A B-24 Liberator escorted by three P-51 Mustangs making it’s approach over the National Mall.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography A B-29 Superfortress, named Aluminum Overcast, flies over Washington, DC during the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography The World War II Memorial’s wall of stars. Each one represents 100 U.S. casualties during the war. There are over 4000 stars.
May 8, 2015 Daniel Sone Photography Thousands of spectators watch as 56 World War II planes fly over Washington, DC during the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover.
Daniel, great set of photos documenting this unique event. I was unable to be there myself so I appreciate you sharing these photos. Larry Golfer. J Larry Golfer Photography
Daniel, great set of photos documenting this unique event. I was unable to be there myself so I appreciate you sharing these photos. Larry Golfer. J Larry Golfer Photography