Seventy years ago, the world celebrated victory in Europe with the surrender of the Nazis, marking the end of World War II in Europe. VE Day has been remembered around the world ever since. And our nation’s capitol is no different, with ceremonies and celebrations beginning at 10:30 am.
The first ceremony will take place at the World War II memorial on the National Mall, with veterans from the war in attendance. Wreaths will be laid in remembrance of the over 400,000 Americans who gave their lives during the war, as well as the 60 million people killed worldwide.
But what will undoubtedly get the most attention is the flyover. Fifty-six vintage military planes will fly in 15 formations over the National Mall just 1000 feet off the ground, concluding with the missing man formation and the playing of “Taps.” A webcast of the flyover can be seen here.
Afterwards, some of the planes can be viewed at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles International Airport from 10:00 – 2:30 on Saturday, May 9th.
