Vermont Air National Guard plans F-35 flyover on July 4
June 29, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Col. Nathan "Wiz" Graber, an F-35A Lightning II pilot with the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, prepares for take off from the Vermont Air National Guard Base in South Burlington in May 2020 with an American flag as a salute to health care and essential workers early in the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Air National Guard photo
The Vermont Air National Guard announced that it will conduct a regional flyby over Vermont and parts of New York as a way to mark Independence Day on the 4th of July.
“This patriotic display is intended as a heartfelt thank you to the supportive community members of Vermont and New York who have continuously demonstrated their unwavering commitment to our armed forces,” the announcement states.
Gov. Phil Scott welcomed the gesture. “The 4th of July is a time when we come together as a nation to celebrate our freedom and honor those who have fought and continue to fight for it,” Scott said in a statement shared by the guard. “This flyby serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice and dedication of our military personnel. I am grateful for their service, and I know the people of Vermont share that sentiment.”
Plattsburgh Mayor Christopher Rosenquest thanked the Vermont National Guard and Scott for including New York in the flyover plans to celebrate the national holiday.
“The addition of this flyover to one of the most popular events in the City of Plattsburgh is welcomed and appreciated,” Rosenquest’s statement says.
Vermont Air National Guard planes will fly over 19 Vermont and New York communities with celebrations on July 4 including Warren and Stowe. Schedule poster courtesy VTANG.
The flyover is scheduled to take place on July 4 starting at approximately 10 a.m. F-35 fighter jets will fly over cities and towns throughout the two states, coordinated to overfly many holiday parades.
“This is a pretty awesome way for us to say thank you to our communities across Vermont, and to celebrate Independence Day,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont Adjutant General. “I love hearing the commentary from Vermonters that don’t often get the chance to see how fortunate we are to have this mission and the quality of our airmen.”