The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Greater Seattle Chapter invites you to participate in the Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast, an annual tradition honoring the bravery, sacrifice, and ingenuity of the legendary Doolittle Raiders. This special event is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM PST at The Museum of Flight in Seattle, WA.
Commemorating a Historic Mission
On April 18, 1942, eighty courageous airmen led by General Jimmy Doolittle embarked on a daring mission to strike Japan in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Launching B-25 bombers from an aircraft carrier—a feat never before attempted—the Raiders carried out an audacious air raid that uplifted American spirits and demonstrated resilience during World War II.
In 1946, the Raiders initiated a private tradition of raising a toast to their fallen comrades using silver goblets. This practice continued annually until 2013, when the last four surviving Raiders gathered for their final official tribute. Following the passing of Lt. Col. Richard “Dick” Cole in 2019—the last of the original Raiders—the AFA committed to upholding this historic ritual, ensuring that the legacy of these heroes is never forgotten.
L1/Japan, Tokyo Raid/1942/pho 2
Photo from the website of National Museum Of The United States Air Force
Be a Part of This Historic Event
The AFA Greater Seattle Chapter invites military personnel, veterans, history enthusiasts, and the public to join in honoring these American heroes.
Special Guests
We are privileged to welcome descendants of the Doolittle Raiders who will be in attendance:
- Chuck Greening, son of Col. Charles Ross Greening, Pilot of Crew 11
- Rodney Saylor, son of Lt. Col. Edward Joseph Saylor, Engineer of Crew 15
Event Highlights
- Presentation of the Colors by the University of Washington AFROTC Color Guard
- Honoring the families of the Doolittle Raiders
- Historical insights from David Waggoner, Museum of Flight docent
- Keynote speech, streamed globally
- Memorial toast in remembrance of the Raiders’ enduring legacy
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
- Time: 2:00 PM PST (Check-in by 1:45 PM)
- Location: The Museum of Flight (9404 E. Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA 98108)
- Dress Code: Business Casual or Uniform of the Day (UOD)
Admission Information:
- Free Entry for Distinguished Visitors, Museum members, AFA members, and ROTC/JROTC/CAP Cadets (and their guests) with mandatory RSVP.
- General attendees will need to pay the Museum of Flight entrance fee upon arrival.
Reserve Your Spot
Please confirm your attendance by April 15, 2025, to ensure we have enough glasses for the toast.
Why This Tribute Continues
The Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast is more than a tradition—it is a living tribute to courage, history, and patriotism. By continuing this annual event, the AFA Greater Seattle Chapter keeps the memory of these incredible airmen alive, inspiring future generations with their bravery and sacrifice.
Attending this event at the Museum of Flight in Seattle provides a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in history and honor the heroic legacy of the Doolittle Raiders. This annual gathering is a must for aviation enthusiasts, military supporters, and all those who value the sacrifices made for freedom.
