The act of honoring fallen service members is as old as war itself.  The observance that would become known in the United States as Memorial Day has its roots in the great shattering that was the American Civil War.

Since its earliest observances, Memorial Day has served as a day for our nation to come together in honor of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the blessings of freedom that have been bestowed upon our nation do not vanish or dim with time. Even in our most turbulent, divided times, Memorial Day has served to bring us together to honor, remember and reflect.  

Americans traditionally observe Memorial Day by coming together at national cemeteries, or town squares for speeches and parades. The day has served as the unofficial first day of summer and, in past years, has heralded the start of many family vacations. 

This year, our nation will observe Memorial Day under completely unprecedented circumstances. Social distancing and travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19 preclude many of us from gathering, but they do not prevent us joining together in spirit for the common purpose of honoring our fallen.  

On Memorial Day, helicopters of the Georgia Army National Guard will fly over north and south Georgia in honor of our fallen and to remind us all of the debt we owe for the high price that has been paid for our liberty. One flight will take off from Clay National Guard Center and the other will take off from Hunter Army Airfield. Below are the flyover locations and times (local). 

Grady Health System/1040

Stone Mountain Park/1055

Northside Hospital Gwinnett/1110

Lake Lanier/1120

Northside Hospital Forsyth/1130

Northside Hospital Cherokee/1145

Georgia National Cemetery/1150