By Suzanne Blake, Reporter, Consumer & Social Trends
Published May 26, 2025, 4:21 PM EDT
A Historic Memorial Day Tribute Over Miami Beach
The U.S. Air Force made history this Memorial Day with its first-ever “tri-bomber/fighter dissimilar formation” flyover over Miami Beach, commemorating those who gave their lives in service to the nation. The event, dubbed the “freedom flyover,” was part of the Hyundai Air and Sea Show held over the weekend and aimed to honor the fallen heroes of the U.S. military.
The flyover featured jets from the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), a major command responsible for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations. The AFGSC’s participation highlighted both the significance of Memorial Day and the strength of the U.S. military.
The Historic ‘Seven-Ship’ Formation
This year’s Memorial Day event included an unprecedented display: a “seven-ship” tri-bomber formation. Leading the formation was the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, accompanied by the B-1B Lancer, B-52H Stratofortress, F-22 Raptor, F-15C Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt.
“This wasn’t just an air show—it was a powerful tribute to those who gave everything and a celebration of the strength that defends our nation every single day,” AFGSC shared on its Facebook page, accompanied by a video of the formation flyover.
Memorial Day’s Significance and Celebration
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May each year, is a solemn occasion to honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military. While it marks the unofficial start of summer for many, the day is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made for the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins commented on the importance of the day, stating, “Every day throughout the year, VA plays a vital role in remembering and honoring the brave service members who gave their lives in defense of the freedoms America holds dear.”
John Raughter, a Marine Corps veteran and spokesperson for the American Legion National Headquarters, emphasized the significance of Memorial Day: “It is to unify and celebrate that America over the past 250 years has been blessed with more than 1 million heroic men and women who believed through their actions that this was a country worth dying for.”
A Unifying Moment for the Nation
The flyover not only paid tribute to fallen heroes but also demonstrated the unity and strength of the U.S. military. Active-duty Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard pilots came together to form an “unstoppable force” as thousands of spectators witnessed aviation history.
As Memorial Day marks a time for reflection, it serves as a reminder of the freedoms that many enjoy, thanks to the sacrifices made by service members throughout the country’s history.
Conclusion
The U.S. Air Force’s historic flyover in Miami Beach was more than just an air show—it was a tribute to the fallen and a celebration of the military’s ongoing dedication to the nation. As Americans gathered to enjoy the holiday, it was a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifices that make those freedoms possible.