American Airlines Cargo helps unveil 8th Air Force monument in Normandy
The sculptures were crafted in the US and flown across the Atlantic to arrive in time for the dedication event.;
Normandy, France, recently saw the unveiling of the first monument solely dedicated to the 8th Air Force, with four life-sized bronze sculptures arriving from Boise, Idaho, via air transport donated by American Airlines Cargo. The ceremony, held in France to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day, commemorated the contributions of this U.S. air unit in World War II and included the participation of a World War II veteran who was flown in by the airline.
The monument features statues of Staff Sgt Maynard Smith, Col. Robert Rosenthal, Gen. James Doolittle and Col. Donald Blakeslee. These individuals were selected for their significant service during the war. The sculptures were crafted in the United States and flown across the Atlantic by American Airlines Cargo to arrive in time for the dedication event.
This effort builds on American’s involvement in last year’s 80th D-Day anniversary, when nearly 70 World War II veterans, including former 8th Air Force airmen, travelled to Normandy. The 8th Air Force played a key role in the Allied victory in Europe and remains one of the largest air units in military history.
“When American’s Military and Veteran’s Initiatives team approached the Cargo team about transporting these four commemorative statues from Boise to Normandy, we knew immediately that this mission would be significant,” said Eric Mathieu, Director of Cargo Customer Experience. “Born and raised in France, now living in the U.S. as an American citizen, I felt incredibly fortunate to work for American and support an opportunity that so beautifully connects both nations.”
The airline also flew a World War II veteran to France for the dedication ceremony. The initiative reflects American Airlines’ ongoing support for military communities and veterans through logistical and symbolic acts of remembrance.
American Airlines Cargo offers daily cargo transportation across global routes, supporting a wide range of shipments, including pharmaceuticals and e-commerce.