Patriotism AWOL... National Parks Service Refused To Approve The Necessary Permits

There are, occasionally, blisteringly dunderheaded bits of governmental incompetence to be found with increasing regularity... but the most recent move by the Nat'l Parks Service leaves us shaking our heads and a bit ashamed of Uncle Sam. 

The International Council of AirShows alerted us to the fact that the leaders of the Arsenal of Democracy consortium had planned to execute a World War II aircraft flyover at Mount Rushmore on Memorial Day to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. It would have been grand... and NOT a sight to miss. Unfortunately, the National Parks Service refused to approve the necessary permits, and regrettably, the planned flyover of historic military aircraft had to be cancelled.

The folks at Arsenal of Democracy noted that, “We worked hard to put together an extraordinary event that would honor our World War II heroes, on the day that we remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation. We are grateful for the support that we received from the FAA, members of Congress, and committed sponsors. Unfortunately, National Parks Service bureaucrats would not let us proceed with our commemoration of the Greatest Generation despite having previously received clearances and held a successful event in our nation’s capital – the most protected airspace in the nation.  It is extremely disappointing that we could not move forward with this commemoration, but we appreciate the ongoing support to pay homage to our World War II heroes,” said the leaders of the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover. Plans for a future Arsenal of Democracy Flyover are currently being considered and discussed.

The phrase "Arsenal of Democracy" was used by FDR during World War II to describe the United States' efforts to supply Allied nations with war materials. 

FMI: https://ww2flyover.org/