Sounds Of Freedom Flyover Honors Disabled Veterans at Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the non-profit organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans, will be honored by a special flyover of two vintage B-25 Mitchell bombers at the 2009 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. The B-25s are fully restored, World War II-era aircraft. These warbirds will pass over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the NATIONAL ANTHEM prior to the beginning of the race on May 24th.

  “It is fitting that we honor our nation’s wounded veterans with this extraordinary flyover,” said Joie Chitwood, President and COO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “The sacrifices of these brave men and women have made for their country make them true heroes.”

   While modern military aircraft are standard for such flyovers, the IMS chose the venerable
B-25 “War Dog” as a symbol of the courage and can-do spirit of our veterans and active duty military throughout history.

    DAV National Adjutant/CEO Arthur H. Wilson said that this special tribute comes at a crucial time in the fight for preserving the benefits and vital medical care for our veterans, including those returning from the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan. “In these tough economic times, our wounded veterans unfortunately can get lost in the shuffle. The DAV is fully dedicated to preventing this from happening and recognition from the Hulman-George family and the IMS is deeply appreciated,” Wilson said.

   The B-25 Mitchell is a twin-engine, medium bomber that saw extensive action in all theaters of World War II. The aircraft is perhaps best known for the Doolittle Raid, America’s first counterstrike after Pearl Harbor during which Lt. Col. James “Jimmy” Doolittle led a squadron of sixteen B-25s from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet on a daring, top-secret daytime raid on Japan.

    Visitors to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway can learn more about DAV by visiting its fully interactive display at the track infield throughout race week. DAV representatives will be on hand with information about the organization’s free services to veterans and their families. By texting the word “THANKS” to 90999, race fans can make a donation to fund DAV programs that provide critical assistance to those who have served in the name of freedom.

   The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans is a non-profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. It is dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families. For more information, visit the organization’s web site, www.dav.org.

  The 2009 Indianapolis 500 will be broadcast nationally in High Definition on ABC beginning at noon on Sunday, May 24th. For more information, check www.Indy500.com.