The thunder of vintage war birds will augment the crack of 21 rifles, the fluttering wings of doves, the roar of veterans’ motorcycles and the solemn silence of prayer at the annual Memorial Day observation in Oak View Memorial Park this year.

Set for Monday, May 25, the event has grown larger each year. This year, in addition to the speakers, music, dove release, gun salute, laying of a wreath and more, the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour will fly by with a trio of World War II aircraft: a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress (heavy bomber), a Consolidated B-24 Liberator (also a heavy bomber), and a North American P-51 Mustang (fighter). The B-17 is one of only nine in flying condition in the United States. The B-24J and dual-control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the world.

Oak View Memorial Park is located at 2500 E. 18th St. in Antioch. The Memorial Day observances will begin at 10 a.m. The precise time for the flyover has yet to be determined. Look for a full schedule of events in next week’s Press, or log on to www.antiochthunder.org for more details.