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On the Fourth of July 2020, the United States Department of Defense demonstrated the capabilities and professionalism of the United States Armed Forces with flyovers conducted over the Great Cities of the American Revolution including Philadelphia, Boston, New York and Baltimore. To celebrate America's 244th Birthday, the Department of Defense also provided aerial, musical and ceremonial support for the July 4th celebration in Washington, D.C. and at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
At about 5:20PM on July 4th, the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps jets flew over Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell with crowds gathered at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia gazing toward the sun-filled sky on a hot and humid summer evening. In around 1 minute, there were four back-to-back flyover waves that were led by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, followed by B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers, F-15 and F-22 fighters and U.S. Marine Corps F-35 fighters.
According to the U.S. Northern Command,
"The highlight of this year’s celebration will be our salute to the Great Cities of the American Revolution. The flyovers will begin in Boston and proceed to New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore. From there they will join other Department of Defense and heritage aircraft in the Salute to America over our nation’s Capital. In all, roughly 1,700 service members will support the celebrations."
Flyover
U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps jets flew over each of the Great Cities of the American Revolution with four back-to-back amazing waves of aircraft. The flyovers were led by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, followed by B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers, F-15 and F-22 fighters and U.S. Marine Corps F-35 fighters. The aircraft overflew each of the cities, which began at approximately 4:00PM, then flew onto the next city.
Boston
The aircraft overflew Downtown Boston at approximately 4:00PM approaching from the Northeast at 1,000 feet above the ground. Multiple aircraft overflew the U.S.S. Constitution, and then proceeded over Fenway Park before departing Boston. Launched in Boston in 1797, the U.S.S. Constitution is a site along the Freedom Trail, and it is the oldest commissioned warship afloat and earned her nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812 when she fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere.
New York
The aircraft flew down the Hudson River at approximately 5:00PM and passed just East of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.
Philadelphia
The aircraft overflew Center City Philadelphia at approximately 5:20PM approaching from the Northeast at 1,000 feet above the ground. Multiple aircraft flew over Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and then proceeded Southwest out of Philly after dazzling the crowds on hand to watch.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic gripping the United States, including Philadelphia, many of the traditional Fourth of July festivities including the Wawa Welcome America festival were reimagined in 2020 with a seven-day virtual festival taking place Sunday, June 28 through Saturday, July 4. Many in the crowd gathered at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia wore masks and practiced social distancing while waiting for the Salute to America flyover of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Baltimore
The aircraft overflew Fort McHenry at approximately 5:30PM on approach from the Northeast at 1,000 feet above the ground. Multiple aircraft overflew Fort McHenry before they turned South out of Baltimore.
Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Armed Forces put on an amazing show in Washington, D.C. around the Washington Monument.
Mount Rushmore
The flyovers provided an opportunity for the United States Department of Defense to demonstrate the capabilities and professionalism of the United States Armed Forces. According to the U.S. Northern Command, flying hours are a sunk cost for the Department of Defense, and these aircraft and crews would be using these hours for proficiency and training at other locations if they were not conducting these flyovers as part of the Salute to the Great Cities of the American Revolution.
A firework display went off shortly after a twenty-one cannon salute was fired by the Presidential Salute Battery, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachuted onto White House grounds during the Salute to America celebration on July 4, 2020
Additional Information
On April 28, 2020, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and the U.S. Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, honored frontline COVID-19 first responders and essential workers with America Strong -- awe-inspiring formation flights over the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
