The 63rd Reunion of the Doolittle Raiders
The first time in New England, and one of the last ever...This event will not be recreated!
The day before takeoff, Colonel Doolittle promised his Raiders “If we get to Chungking, I’ll throw you fellas the biggest party you ever had.”
He couldn’t immediately keep his promise. He was called back to the United States before they could all assemble in Chungking. But he didn’t forget his vow.
A year later, on the first anniversary of the raid, Doolittle and a few of his officers gathered in a North African farmhouse for a brief party. It wasn’t what the general had in mind. He wanted all his Raiders to get together. During the next two years, whenever several Raiders could get together, they had informal reunions. Then, in the fall of 1945, General Doolittle passed the word, “Meet me in Miami.”
They did, and it cost Jimmy Doolittle more than $2,000 to keep his promise. It was such a rousing success the Raiders decided to make it an annual event. They have met every year since except in 1951 and 1966.
(Above information and quotations taken from The Airman: Official Magazine of the U.S. Air Force, June 1967)
Enjoy Southeastern Connecticut – this is quintessential New England
From the banks of the Mystic River to the banks of the Thames River you’ll discover that southeastern Connecticut is steeped in maritime and military tradition – what better backdrop for the 63rd reunion of The Doolittle Raiders? Come celebrate with them, and remember their sacrifice, courage, daring, love and honor for the United States of America.
Southeastern Connecticut, the Submarine Capitol of the World, is home to:
U.S. Naval Base
Pfizer World Headquarters
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
General Dynamics Electric Boat
Mystic Seaport: Museum of America and the Sea
Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration
Dow Chemical
Army National Guard Advanced Aviation Helicopter & Fixed Wing Repair Facility
For more information or to order our Discovery Guide – call us today at our toll free number: 1.866.572.9578
