15th annual Salute from the Shore flyover takes off on the Grand Strand

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Twelve military jets and planes made their way across the shoreline Thursday for the 4th of July and the 15th annual Salute from the Shore.

F-16s, Vintage Warbird aircrafts, T-34s, T-6s and T-28s were the stars of the show as hundreds of people in red, white and blue celebrated Independence Day in Myrtle Beach.

The parade of planes started in Cherry Grove and made its way down south to Beaufort/Bluffton area in the Lowcountry.

The event started at 1 p.m. and lasted for about two hours as the planes and jets made their way through each city. People gathered on the shorelines as they flew by, waving flags, towels and shirts in the air.

Salute from the Shore Board President Jill Armbruster said that the event is important to honor the veterans flying today, but also those on the shore every day.

“This is great way to remind people why we are celebrating this Independence Day and independence came at a price and still does,” she said. “So, it’s a nice, fun way to connect the dots between the holiday. Why are we having fun on the beach? Why are we able to do that? Tthe men and women who serve every day to protect that freedom.”

For those in attendance, a mix of emotions fell over the people who gathered on the beach in celebration of Independence Day. Some in tears, being grateful for those who serve our country. Others excited to celebrate the day that honors America with friends and family.

Visiting Myrtle Beach where his veteran sons now live, Michael Windstein said that America is “the best country in the world” and is proud to be an American until the day he dies.

“To see those planes and go to those shows and see a flyover like that, you just get goosebumps,” he said. “I mean, it just brings goosebumps to you. It’s an emotional experience if you’ve never seen it before too.”

Armbruster said her hope is to expand the flyby show across all coastlines in the United States. But for now, the flyby will remain in South Carolina for years to come.

* * *

Gabby Jonas joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in April 2024. She is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University in May 2023. Follow Gabby on X, formerly Twitter , Facebook or Instagram , and read more of her work here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.