Each year, the Southern Museum of Flight family, joined by our partners and friends at the 117th Air Refueling Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard, gathers in solemn remembrance to honor four Alabamians who paid the ultimate price during the Bay of Pigs Invasion in April 1961. Their service and sacrifice, carried out in the name of freedom, remain an enduring part of Alabama’s aviation and military legacy.
The Bay of Pigs Commemoration is a time for reflection, gratitude, and historical remembrance. Through our annual observance, the Southern Museum of Flight seeks not only to honor those who gave their lives, but also to preserve and share the broader aviation and military history connected to this pivotal moment of the Cold War era.
The Bay of Pigs Invasion was a covert Central Intelligence Agency-sponsored effort, launched in April 1961 to support an invasion of Cuba by U.S.-backed Cuban exile forces — in an attempt to overthrow the government of Fidel Castro. Following extensive training outside of Cuba, including instruction by members of the Alabama Air National Guard, the operation began on April 17, but quickly faltered under heavy resistance.
The Alabama Air National Guard had been secretly involved in training and support activities, and in the final days of the operation eight Guardsmen volunteered to fly combat missions. Four of those airmen lost their lives when their aircraft were shot down during the ill-fated mission, making the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country and the cause of freedom.
Riley W. Shamburger
Their dedication and courage are forever remembered by their families, their comrades, and the communities they served.
Our 2026 commemoration marked the 65th Anniversary of the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Highlights included a ceremonial program of commemoration and remembrance, as well as a military aircraft flyover — honoring the aircrews central to the events of 1961, the aircraft they flew, and the legacy they represent.
From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank everyone who made this year’s Commemoration Day our most successful ever.
Overall attendance was double last year’s.
Media coverage was unprecedented.
And our keynote speaker — Coca-Cola United CEO Mike Suco — left barely a dry eye recounting his parents’ journey to achieving the American Dream, in the aftermath of escaping Cuba with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Lastly, a very special Thank You, again, to each of our sponsors — below.
We are forever grateful for, and honored by, your support.
The Southern Museum of Flight celebrates the past, present and future of aviation in Birmingham, Alabama, and the South.”