Detroit (WWJ) The Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron streaked across the skies over metro Detroit Tuesday to thank essential workers. As people lined up to watch in their backyards, on porches, bridges, and in parks, fighter jets raced across calm blue skies, a visual reminder to all those below of strength and resilience. A reminder in the dark days of the pandemic that better days are coming.
"The Blue Angels always bring out the fighting spirit in America and the patriotism and brings the country together,” said Daryl Gruber of White Lake, Mich.
"It shows the resolve of the American people in getting ourselves through this," added Gruber who watched the flyover from Detroit's Riverwalk.
The joint flyovers were announced by President Trump to lift morale due to the severe health and economic impacts resulting from COVID-19.
"America Strong" fulfills critical training requirements, officials say, as all pilots must execute a minimum number of flight hours to maintain proficiency. These flyovers will incur no additional cost to taxpayers, according to the Navy.
During the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a series of executive orders that closed down many businesses deemed non-essential to slow the spread of the virus. The countermeasures are part of a strategy known as "flatten the curve". As testing is becoming more widespread and the daily number of cases start to level off, the expectation is the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" restrictions will begin to ease according to a six-phase restart plan.
Here's what you need to know about Coronavirus as of Wednesday, May 13.