Copyright MHNN.com
NEW WINDSOR – The United States has the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds.
One of our oldest allies, France, has Patrouille de France, which is launching
a spring tour of the United States. The tour commemorates the 100th anniversary
of the U.S. entry into World War One.
One of the stops will be Stewart International Airport on April 22 and
23.
France’s version of the Thunderbirds stopped off at Stewart Airport
on Thursday
The eight-member team presented a preview Thursday afternoon, doing a
flyover of the greater Newburgh area, then touching down to meet the Air
National Guard members and some local officials.
Captaine Bertrand Tardif is a 20-year pilot and has been on the Patrouille
team for three years. He is excited about the American tour.
“Next month will be a very wonderful and exciting to fly around
New York, to fly around California, San Francisco, etc.” Tardif
said.
One of the first ceremonial events will be this Saturday, a flyby at
the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, which was dedicated in 1886.
Next stop on the preview tour will be a flyby of Washington DC and a reception
at the French Embassy.
