Media Advisory: 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the End of World War II

WHAT: The National Air and Space Museum and the Arsenal of Democracy Executive Committee will host a press briefing for the “World War II Arsenal of Democracy Fly-Over” commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe and in the Pacific.

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

World War II Aviation Gallery

Independence Avenue, Sixth Street S.W.

Washington, DC, 20560

WHO: Ellen Stofan, John and Adrienne Mars Director, National Air and Space Museum

Pete Bunce, President and CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association

Mike Ginter, Vice President of Airports, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

Hank Coates, President, Commemorative Air Force

John Cudahy, President, International Council of Airshows

Dean Iacopelli, Chief of Staff, National Air Traffic Controllers Association

Mike Carr, President and CEO, USS Missouri Memorial Association

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe and in the Pacific, the “Arsenal of Democracy Fly-Over” will take place May 8, 2020. A fly-over of the National Mall took place in 2015 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which drew crowds of over 100,000 spectators watching on the Mall, from rooftops and nearby parks. The 75th anniversary fly-over will be very similar and feature a diverse array of World War II aircraft in historically sequenced warbird formations. The 2020 fly-over will have more airplanes and a strong and visible education component.

Speakers and partnering organizations will be on-hand for questions.

RSVP to Alison Mitchell at mitchellac@si.edu or 202-633-2376 or Sarah McCann at rsvp@gama.aero or (202) 393-1500.

GAMA is an international trade association representing over 100 of the world’s leading manufacturers of general aviation airplanes and rotorcraft, engines, avionics, components and related services. GAMA’s members also operate repair stations, fixed based operations, pilot and maintenance training facilities and manage fleets of aircraft. For more information, visit GAMA’s website at www.GAMA.aero.