The last hero was Lieutenant Colonel Robert Vaucher of the USAF. United States Air Force Veteran, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Vaucher | Mogami Kariya Palacioz worked on, one still survives and still contains the original rivets she placed years ago. At age 18, she worked at Boeing in Wichita, Kansas, as a riveter on the B-29 Superfortress production during WWII. The next hero introduced was Connie Palacioz. Hillard currently serves as the chairman of the National World War II Museum board.Īn original Rosie the Riveter, Connie Palacioz | Mogami Kariya During the conference, he recounted his story serving as a radioman and gunner in an SBD Dauntless dive bomber in the Pacific Theater. The first WWII Hero introduced was Sergeant Paul Hillard of the USMC.

United States Marine Corps Veteran, Sergeant Paul Hillard | Mogami Kariya The panel moderator, Matt Jolley then asked a couple questions to each of the three 'WWII Heros', and later took some questions from the press pool. The press conference, hosting the 'WWII Hero Panel' started with an introduction by Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and by the President of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), Hank Coates. Panel moderator, Matt Jolley interviewing Connie Palacioz in her works as a riveter at the original Boeing Plant, Credit: Mogami Kariya | The Explorer BlogĪfter the final B-29 took off from the runway, the media and press were escorted and shuttled to the Chantilly Air hangar for a press conference with the event organizers and special guests. Other aircraft from multiple varieties will also be participating: from the British Spitfires to American Warhawks, and to Navy Avenger Bombers to Corsair Fighters, this flyover will include one of the biggest display of warbirds. These aircraft included a Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, and two Boeing B-29 Superfortresses, but this list does not include all the warbirds participating in this flyover. The Explorer Blog, along with other media, press, and independent freelance photographers were given the opportunity to get on-ramp and cover warbirds taking off. The Explorer Blog hoped to cover this incredible event Saturday and will share an exclusive look into what it takes to set up this flyover. Unfortunately, the Arsenal of Democracy flyover does not have the necessary permits to fly into the Nation's Capital after Saturday causing the cancelation of the event. However, the flyover has now been canceled due to low visibility conditions on Saturday. Originally scheduled to take place on Friday, September 25th at 11:30 am, the event was postponed to Saturday in hopes of better weather. The occasion? To cover preparations taking place for the Arsenal of Democracy: 75th Anniversary of World War II Flyover the National Mall. WASHINGTON - On a cloudy Thursday morning, media and press gathered at an undisclosed airport near Washington D.C. A Boeing B-29 Superfortress, nicknamed 'FiFi', taking off in a practice flight for the WW2 Flyover, Credit: Mogami Kariya | The Explorer BlogĮditor Note - The Arsenal of Democracy Flyover is officially canceled.

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