WHAT: Honoring the fallen airmen of the B24 that tragically crashed on Mt Holyoke (Skinner State Park) on May 27, 1944
WHEN: Friday May 26, 2023 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: B24 Memorial - Adjacent to the Summit House, Skinner State Park (10Skinner State Park Road, Hadley, MA)
WHO: The South Hadley American Legion & Veterans of Foreign Wars
On May 27, 1944, a B24 Liberator, based at Westover Field (today known as Westover Air Reserve Base), crashed shortly after takeoff. Its crew of 10, all members of the United States Army Air Forces, were killed. The crew had been training for combat and they and their B24 would soon be sent to England to join the air war against Nazi Germany.
In 1989 a memorial was dedicated and this year, the 79th anniversary of this tragedy, our local veterans organizations have recommitted themselves to establishing an annual memorial tribute in their honor. Next year, 2024, will mark the 80th anniversary of the crash. The event will include veteran and military speakers, a wreath laying ceremony, a rifle salute and the sounding of taps. Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The ceremony is open to the public and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.