Douglas C-47 will lead “Thanks From Above” Flyovers above Western NYS Saturday, May 16, 2020
National Warplane Museum “Operation Thanks From Above” Led by Douglas C-47
Flyover events will take place May 16th honoring coronavirus first responders and essential workers in the Western New York Region.
ROCHESTER, NY — May 5, 2020 —The National Warplane Museum (NWM) President, Austin Wadsworth announced last week that they will be conducting a series of flyovers in Western New York on the weekend of
May 16th to honor first responders and essential workers. The missions included in “Operation Thanks From Above” are being designed to overfly key hospitals, Veterans Affairs locations, city centers, parks and other
notable venues in the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse areas.
The NWM’s very own Douglas C-47, affectionately named Whiskey 7 will lead the mission. The Douglas C-47 is a WWII veteran and was the lead aircraft in the second wave of the D-Day invasion on June 6th, 1944 over
Ste. Mere Eglise, Normandy. The values associated with this aircraft are bravery, sacrifice, honor and hope so it is only fitting that it will lead the way in reminding our local heroes how appreciated they are.
Since the start of the coronavirus, each worker, family, and organization has had to make drastic, unusual, and spontaneous changes to the way that life and business are conducted. On the frontline, we are fortunate to have
first responders and essential workers who take risk to ensure that safety, care, and supplies are available to everyone, every day. These heroes accept risk and they expect fatigue.
“This mission is one of many that are taking place across the country and we are honored to be a part of showing our gratitude and support for those on the front lines,” says Todd Cameron who is a key member
of the team organizing the mission and the Director of Flight Operations at the NWM.
Residents in the designated areas will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their homes and should maintain all social distancing guidelines during this event. If residents do plan to travel to a designated spot for
viewing, we ask that they adhere to all social distancing guidelines and also wear a face covering.
These are interesting times we are living in. Each worker, family, and organization has had to make drastic, unusual, and spontaneous changes to the way that we all conduct life and business. On the frontline, we are fortunate to have First Responders and Essential Workers who take risk to ensure that safety, care, and supplies are available to everyone every day. These heroes accept risk and they expect fatigue.
The values associated with Whiskey 7 for which we are so blessed to be the custodians, is already associated by the general public with ideals such as bravery, sacrifice, honor and hope. It is our intention to put this brand and these ideals to good use by saying “Thanks from Above” to our First Responders and Essential Workers.
Missions are being designed to overfly key hospitals, VA locations, city centers, parks and other notable venues in the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse areas.
Click here for approximate Flyover times.
Or check out the interactive map at: https://nationalwarplanemuseum.com/map/
The restrictions affecting jobs and businesses makes for a challenging climate. However, an event of this magnitude can only succeed through generous donations and sponsorships. The positive and uplifting values that this mission hopes to convey to the public are worthwhile and I believe that families and small businesses alike will want to be a part of it in any capacity whether large or small.
This mission can only succeed with your help and the help of donors and sponsors. If you or your business would like to be involved, then there are a range of options that we have available to ensure that your logo and your giving gains exposure. Please let me know what I can do to get you involved with this mission.
This is not a small undertaking. However, it is an exciting and extraordinary opportunity for us to let the world know that they are doing a great job, keep up the good work, it is appreciated, and we are here!
1941 Historical Aircraft Group DBA National Warplane Museum is a Non-Profit 501(c) (3) chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.