The Missing Man Formation
Missing man formation over the USS Arizona memorial in Hawaii.
The “Missing Man” formation is a touching memorial to those lost in the airforce. It is a rare thing for those not in the military to witness. It is performed by the pilots flying in formation, just as if the lost man were still there.
It is believed that the tradition started in Britain at the funeral of Manfred von Richthofen, or the “Red Baron”. While that is just common belief, it is known for certain that its genesis orginates during World War I.
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