The D-Day Squadron – a US-based tribute flight comprising Douglas C-47 and DC-3 aircraft – has announced that it will be returning to Europe in 2024
The unveiling of the 2024 Legacy Tour comes as both the D-Day Squadron and Sound Off Films share the release of the 2019 documentary film, Into Flight Once More, now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.
The team’s return will coincide with the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France and the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift in Germany. In 2019, the D-Day Squadron took a fleet of 15 World War Two-era DC-3s to England, France, and Germany. It then continued to be present at multiple flyovers, aviation events, and warbird-themed airshows.
“In 2019, our focus was to remind people how World War Two veterans more than 75 years ago fought for our freedom, liberties and served, where many lost their lives so we may live,” states Eric Zipkin, the missions’ chief pilot and director of operations. “In 2024, with so few World War Two veterans with us, we will recreate the journey to Europe and fly each commemoration to protect their ‘Legacy,’ to never forget what these veterans meant to each of us, and our world history.”
Planning for the journey is already under way. A volunteer committee of dedicated professionals is being established to help manage the inevitably complex logistics. The team is also seeking to enhance its list of corporate and individual partners and donors – those wishing to participate are asked to contact the D-Day Squadron’s executive director, Lyndse Costabile, at: director@ddaysquadron.org
