Arkansas Skies to Roar: National Guard Announces Statewide Flyovers for America’s 250th Birthday

As the United States prepares to celebrate its historic semi-quincentennial—marking 250 years of independence—the Arkansas National Guard is taking to the skies for a massive tribute.

Dubbed “Flyover Arkansas,” the statewide event will serve as a roaring salute to both the nation and the Natural State, honoring the legacy of service and sacrifice that forged the country.

A Spectacular Tribute in the Skies

The aerial celebration is scheduled to take place during the week leading up to Independence Day. Residents across Arkansas can look forward to looking up and seeing a powerful display of American aviation cruising over local cities and towns.

The flyovers will feature two staples of military aircraft:

  • UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters: The versatile tactical transport icons.
  • C-130 Hercules Aircraft: The legendary, heavy-lifting cargo planes long associated with Arkansas’s proud military heritage.

Honoring the Roots of Freedom

The initiative is designed to be more than just an impressive visual display; it is a direct thank-you to the communities that support the military, and a nod to the foundational role of citizen-soldiers.

“Remember, without our militia, there would be no America.”

The event aims to honor the men and women in uniform who have defended American freedom from the nation’s earliest days to the present.

How to Catch the Action

Because the flight paths will span the entire state, the Arkansas National Guard is making it easy for citizens to track the aircraft and plan their viewing.

  • Monday, June 29 — Benton, Hot Springs, Mt. Ida, Mena, DeQueen, Ashdown, Texarkana, Lewisville, Hope, Prescott, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Arkadelphia, Malvern
  • Tuesday, June 30 — Downtown Little Rock, Sheridan, Rison, Fordyce, Camden, Magnolia, El Dorado, Hampton, Warren, Hamburg, Lake Village, Arkansas City, Monticello, Star City, Pine Bluff, Perryville, Danville, Waldron, Booneville, Charleston, Greenwood, Fort Chaffee, Fort Smith, Van Buren, Ozark, Clarksville, Russellville, Dardanelle, Morrilton, Conway, Maumelle
  • Wednesday, July 1 — Beebe, Searcy, Heber Springs, Batesville, Mountain View, Ash Flat, Mountain Home, Salem, Pocahontas, Walnut Ridge, Newport, Augusta, Lonoke, Des Arc, DeValls Bluff, Clarendon, Forrest City, Wynne, Harrisburg, Jonesboro, Lake City, Paragould, Corning, Piggot, Blytheville, Osceola, Marion, Marianna, Helena, DeWitt, Stuttgart
  • Thursday, July 2 — Clinton, Leslie, Marshall, Yellville, Berryville, Eureka Springs, Pea Ridge, Bentonville, Springdale, Huntsville, Harrison, Jasper

Arkansans are encouraged to follow along by joining the official “Flyover Arkansas” Facebook event page, where schedules, community flight paths, and updates will be shared as the holiday week approaches.

“Happy birthday America from the Arkansas National Guard.” Get your cameras ready, Arkansas—clear lines of sight and an unforgettable show await!