More than 100 people gathered outside the VA Long Beach hospital to watch a squadron of World War II-era warbirds fly over the facility Monday as part of a Memorial Day salute to veterans and health care workers.
Organized by D-Day Squadron, the 90-minute flight path took the squadron over dozens of Southern California city’s in Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties, with 20 designated flyover points. In Long Beach, the planes flew over the VA hospital and the Queen Mary.
“Our mission flying WWII aircraft over parts of Southern California for Memorial Day is to salute our veterans who sacrificed so much for the freedoms that we enjoy today,” said Steve Rose, wing leader and pilot of C-53 D-Day Doll. “In addition, we will acknowledge the many medical personnel, first responders, and citizens who have provided unwavering support in caring for the local populace during this pandemic.”
The D-Day Doll is part of the Commemorative Air Force’s Inland Empire Wing. The warcraft led C-47 “Flabob Express,” C-47 “Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber,” C-53 “Spirit of Benovia” and C-47 “What’s Up Doc” in the flyover.
