Wiesbaden, Germany – June 13th, 2019 – The D-Day Squadron, having just completed a successful overflight of the official ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy, released a statement to address concerns over certain events that are run by an entirely separate group, Daks Over Normandy, where problems have been encountered by the general public.
“There are several events where aircraft of the D-Day Squadron were invited to attend, such as Daks Over Duxford, events at Caen – Carpiquet Airport and BA70,” explained Moreno Aguiari, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “We want to clarify that we were invitees to these events, but we had no control over their implementation or function. Anyone with concerns over services connected with these events needs to contact Daks Over Normandy, as they are a completely separate group who is responsible for providing those services.”
“I can only speak on behalf of the D-Day Squadron,” Aguiari continued. “We were very disappointed in some of the activities surrounding these events as well. But we are ‘over the moon’ about our successful overflight of two presidents and 60 WW2 veterans. This was our way of paying tribute to the entire Greatest Generation and their incredible sacrifice that continues to define western civilization to this day. Our mission was to fly 15 C-47 and DC-3 aircraft across the Atlantic in time for this event and we’re happy to declare ‘Mission Accomplished!’ for that objective.”
Since the 75th anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy, the D-Day Squadron has moved to Wiesbaden, Germany where squadron aircraft are honoring the pilots, crews and citizens impacted by the Berlin Airlift. On June 10th, 2019, 33,000 people were in attendance as D-Day Squadron aircraft recreated a “candy drop” with the original “Candy Bomber” Gail Halvorsen flying in Placid Lassie, courtesy of D-Day Squadron’s parent organization, the Tunsion Foundation. Some of the original children that Halvorson dropped candy to in 1948 were also in attendance.
One of the next stops for the D-Day Squadron will be Venice, Italy. Be sure to keep up with the latest news and events as the D-Day Squadron continues on to the next leg of its historic journey.
About the D-Day Squadron
The D-Day Squadron is the part of the Tunison Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. In June 2019, the D-Day Squadron led an American fleet of 15 historic, restored C-47 World War II military aircraft to take part in a flyover of international aircraft over the official ceremony commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The event honored the citizen soldiers of the War, whose bravery led the Allies to the liberation of France, and then to an end of the devastating War in Europe. The Squadron’s education program takes the compelling story of the citizen soldier to audiences at airshows and events off the flight line to honor these brave Americans and ensure their memory and significance is appreciated for generations to come. The group’s efforts are funded through the generous tax-deductible contribution of their supporters. Learn more at DDaySquadron.org.
Related Articles
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
