Military Flyovers

Two Massachusetts Air National Guard F-15C Eagles.

Massachusetts National Guard Photo / Sgt. Robert Sabonis

The Fourth of July is celebrated around the country with fireworks, parades, and of course the military flyover, where military aircraft like the F-15C Eagles flown by the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing fly in formation over celebrations. These flights provide training opportunities and air hours for pilots and ground crews.

But did you know that the origins of the flyover in the U.S. has a Boston connection? The first documented flyover happened on September 5, 1918 in Chicago when 60 U.S. Army biplanes flew over game 1 of the World Series. Maybe it was the flyover, or maybe it was Babe Ruth, but the Red Sox went on to beat the Cubs. It was the last time in the 20th century the Sox would win a World Series!