Thunderbirds Salute

Stay @ home day #24 (cont’d).

The Thunderbirds — the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron — was in Colorado Springs today to honor the Class of 2020 at the US Air Force Graduation Ceremony.

The squadron didn't perform its usual aerial acrobatics ... just did a flyover. But one that was appreciated by the graduates who had a most untraditional ceremony that was held in the cadet area near the USAFA Chapel instead of the Falcon Stadium. No cheering audience ... the soon-to-be second lieutenants all seated in a manner appropriate to the social distancing rules that govern our days during the pandemic. No hugging in celebration ... instead, they threw their caps in the air and donned face masks. Definitely a more solemn occasion this year.

After the graduation ceremony, the Thunderbirds did not immediately high tail it back to Nellis AFB, Nevada ... their home base. Instead, they flew north and then made their way south, overflying Colorado's medical facilities along a previously determined flight pattern. It was their way of saluting essential front-line workers who are working tirelessly — and selflessly — during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We had a great spot from which to watch the Thunderbirds fly over "our" hospital. I didn't get any decent photos, but I'm keeping them anyway to remember this most special flyover.

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