B-25 BOMBERS TO SALUTE DISABLED VETERANS WITH INDY PRE-RACE FLYOVER
Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the non-profit organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans, will behonored by a special flyover of two vintage B-25 Mitchell bombers at the2009 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 24.
The B-25s, named Special Delivery and Take Off Time, are fully restored,World War II-era aircraft. These warbirds will twice pass over theIndianapolis Motor Speedway during the National Anthem before the beginningof the race.
"The DAV is honored by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's decision to use theworld's most prestigious auto race as an opportunity to turn the nationalspotlight on our wounded veterans," said DAV National Commander Raymond E.Dempsey. "It still amazes me to think about the brave men who flew theseawesome aircraft into battle."
Said Joie Chitwood, president and COO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway:"It is fitting that we honor our nation's wounded veterans with thisextraordinary flyover. The sacrifices these brave men and women have madefor their country make them true heroes."
While modern military aircraft are standard for such flyovers, IMS chose thevenerable B-25 "War Dog" as a symbol of the courage and can-do spirit of ourveterans and active duty military throughout history.
DAV National Adjutant/CEO Arthur H. Wilson said this special tribute comesat a crucial time in the fight for preserving the benefits and vital medicalcare for our veterans, including those returning from the battlefields inIraq and Afghanistan.
"In these tough economic times, our wounded veterans unfortunately can getlost in the shuffle," Wilson said. "The DAV is fully dedicated to preventingthis from happening, and recognition from the Hulman-George family and theIMS is deeply appreciated."
The B-25 Mitchell is a twin-engine, medium bomber that saw extensive actionin all theaters of World War II. The aircraft is perhaps best known for theDoolittle Raid, America's first counterstrike after Pearl Harbor duringwhich Lt. Col. James "Jimmy" Doolittle led a squadron of sixteen B-25s fromthe aircraft carrier USS Hornet on a daring, top-secret daytime raid onJapan.
"It's a rare opportunity for folks to see one of these aircraft flying, letalone two at the same time," said Larry Kelley, a warbird owner andenthusiast who will pilot Take Off Time. "This truly is a unique tribute tothe brave men and women from all wars who have been injured in defense ofour freedom."
The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit organizationfounded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932, represents thisnation's disabled veterans. It is dedicated to a single purpose: buildingbetter lives for our nation's disabled veterans and their families. For moreinformation, visit the organization's Web site, www.dav.org.
