The first Saturday in May was a warm and exceptionally bright day in Chicago - a perfect day for the annual ceremonial flight over the graves of two aviation pioneers: Bessie Coleman and Willa Brown; and for the ground ceremonies that were held near the grave of Bessie Coleman.  

The event was organized by Rufus Hunt, a local pilot and aviation historian, with the assistance and support of the Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated.  

The actual flyover was coordinated by Ken Rapier who was the Chief Pilot of the Young Eagles Program in Chicago until Mayor Daley ordered the destruction of Miegs Field at the end of March.  

Click the words "Flyover Prep" or "Graveside Ceremonies" in the graphic above to learn more about pre-flight preparations and the ceremonies that were held at the graveside of Bessie Coleman.  Click on "See Airplanes" to visit the gallery of many of the planes that participated in the flyover, and click on "One-on-One with Sandra Campbell" to learn about her efforts to share the legacy of Bessie Coleman with others.

Please use to graphic below to see other aviation related stories.