After having flybys over the annual Saline Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Day Service for the past ten years, it looks unlikely that there will be one this year. I have submitted the flyby request once again as I have in the past and the "Important Message posted on the Air Force Aerial Events website says: " The Department of Defense has directed the Air Force, and all the services, to cancel aviation support to public events for at least the remainder of the fiscal year. Additionally, the Air Force will stand down the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team. Effective immediately, active-duty, Reserve and Guard units will cease all aviation support to the public. This includes the cancellation of support to all air shows, tradeshows, and flyovers (including funerals and military graduations). Additionally, the Air Force will cancel the Thunderbirds' entire 2013 season beginning April 1."
I have always felt the flybys have added a very patriotic, inspiring and symbolic touch to the Memorial Rememberance services that day. I am retired from the Air Force and the Michigan Air National Guard and I still get chills when I see a military flyover. We are loosing a very serious and wonderful event.