V-E Day: Virtual Events, Rescheduled Celebrations, and More

V-E Day: Virtual Events, Rescheduled Celebrations, and More
Air Force veteran Ray Weaver salutes during the flyover event in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2015, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe during World War II. (Staff Sgt. Bernardo Fuller/Army)

A flyover originally scheduled for May 8 in the skies of Washington, D.C., to honor the 75th Anniversary of Allied victory in Europe has been moved to September, but other, virtual commemorations will allow for a timely tribute.

 

The Arsenal of Democracy Flyover, supported by MOAA, will take place Friday, Sept. 25, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Eastern. About 100 aircraft are set to take part; many of the airframes that will participate are featured in the May issue of Military Officer magazine, which is available online here (member login required).

 

[RELATED AT MILITARY TIMES: World War II Veterans to Join President at V-E Day Ceremony]

 

A video tribute is set to air on the flyover organization's Facebook page at 11:30 Eastern on May 8. Among the other virtual celebrations planned for V-E Day:

  • The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum will host an online webinar at 9 a.m. (3 p.m. Eastern) featuring Retired Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, USAF (Ret), a MOAA Life Member whose service as a Tuskegee Airman began an aerial combat career that spanned three wars.

  • DoD will stream a virtual V-E Day celebration at 10:30 Eastern on Defense.gov, Facebook, and Twitter. The program will include remarks by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, USA, Tom Brokaw, and Jay Leno, among others. The program will re-air on the Smithsonian Channel at 8 p.m.

  • The National WWII Museum in New Orleans will host an online discussion at 11 a.m. (noon Eastern) with Jim Baynham, a B-24 pilot who was shot down over Germany in 1944 and spent seven months as a prisoner of war. Learn more of the story from Baynham himself here

  • Gen. Tod Wolters, USAF, head of U.S. European Command, will particpate in a virtual wreath-laying ceremony in Belgium to commemorate the anniversary. Video will be available after 2 a.m. Eastern on May 8 via European Command's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds. 

  • Interested in a view of V-E Day from across the pond? The Royal Air Force Museum lists a series of virtual events and broadcasts here. Don't forget to adjust for your time zone.

 

Why Should You Join MOAA? 

MOAA provides resources for officers from all uniformed services and their families throughout all stages of their careers, including after they’ve taken off the uniform. Learn more about the benefits of membership.

 

Already a MOAA member? MOAA has hundreds of chapters around the country. Get involved in your community by finding the one closest to you and joining today! 

 

Join Today Join a Chapter

Related Content

About the Author

Kevin Lilley
Kevin Lilley

Lilley serves as MOAA's digital content manager. His duties include producing, editing, and managing content for a variety of platforms, with a concentration on The MOAA Newsletter and MOAA.org. Follow him on Twitter: @KRLilley