Flight of the Flags ceremony planned during Westmoreland air show

A new tribute to deceased service members and first responders will debut June 11 at this year’s Shop ‘n Save Westmoreland Airshow in a ceremony called Flight of the Flags.

Families of the deceased who have received trifold flags in honor of their loved ones will have an opportunity to have those flags take a trip in a TBM Avenger, a World War II-era torpedo bomber, during the ceremony at 11 a.m. on the air show’s first day.

Charlie Cartledge of the Lake Erie Warbirds organization and pilot of the TBM Avenger said the ceremonial flyover has been a hit at other regional air shows he’s performed at in recent years.

“I’m really honored to do it. And I can tell you the ceremony has been a real hit at other shows where we’ve paid tribute the past couple of years,” Cartledge said.

The event is being organized by air show volunteers and local pilots John Miller and Valetta Mowry.

“We did this at Indiana County’s air show last year, and it was a very moving tribute,” Miller said. “Even though it was a smaller venue, we still had 28 flags. We are anticipating a lot more here.”

Those wishing to participate have to make preparations in advance by calling 724-237-0364.

Flags must be delivered to the Flight of the Flags booth prior to the 11 a.m. takeoff. People bringing flags will need to have general admission air show tickets to enter.

Flags will be returned to families after the flight.

“The flying of the flags is a fitting and proper tribute to all who have served and died in service to our nation,” said Gabe Monzo, executive director of the Westmoreland County Airport Authority.

General admission tickets for the air show, scheduled for June 11 and 12, are on sale at a discount at all Shop ’n Save stores. VIP tickets may be purchased online at the air show’s website.