National Guard F-16s to fly over Colorado on Memorial Day
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As many Coloradans will be celebrating veterans from the ground on Monday, a few active troops will also be honoring them from the air.
In celebration of Memorial Day, the 140th Wing of the Colorado Air National Guard will be conducting flyovers with four F-16 Vipers across the state to honor fallen servicemembers, according to a news release from the Colorado National Guard.
The flight path for Monday’s flyovers is as follows:
- Fort Morgan Cemetery, Fort Morgan, 10:20 a.m.
- Homelake Cemetery, Homelake, 10:40 a.m.
- VFW Post 4031, Durango, 10:55 a.m.
- Nucla Cemetery, Nucla, 11:05 a.m.
- Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, 11:15 a.m.
- Grand Lake Town Park, Grand Lake, 11:40 a.m.
- Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, 11:50 a.m.
- Olinger Highland Cemetery, Thornton, 11:55 a.m.
- University of Colorado, Folsom Stadium, Boulder, 12:00 p.m.
“A Memorial Day flyover is more than a display of airpower,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Melka, 140th Wing acting deputy commander, in the release. “It is a solemn tribute to our fallen heroes, a reminder to our community of the sacrifices made for freedom, and a powerful symbol of our unwavering commitment to honor those who gave all.”
The flyover times are estimates and could be canceled due to weather, the release notes, adding that the aircraft may also be seen between these locations as they transition between Memorial Day celebrations.
The flyovers will serve as training for National Guard pilots, and therefore are conducted at no additional cost to taxpayers, according to the release.