Alabama’s unlikely role in Bay of Pigs invasion being commemorated at Southern Museum of Flight

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)– Yesterday, a rare Douglas A-26 Bomber flew into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. Today, it will do a flyover in commemoration of the 64th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion.

The A-26 and close relative B-26 cemented Alabama as a pivotal player in the failed invasion in 1961. At the time of the Bay of Pigs, Alabama’s Air National Guard were the only ones who flew B-26’s, which were essential to the invasion.

After the invasion spiraled out of control for the U.S, four airmen from the Alabama Air National Guard lost their lives. One of them was Pete Ray, whose body was kept by Castro of proof of U.S involvement in the invasion.

“[Castro] was basically keeping it as a bit of a token and as proof,” said Brian Barsanti, Executive Director of the Southern Museum of Flight.

After being held “on display” in a morgue, Ray’s body was brought home after his daughter Janet pushed for his return, corresponding with Castro over phone calls and letters. This forced the CIA to acknowledge the nature of his death, which up to that point had been classified.

Pete Ray’s grave in Forest Hill Cemetery is the beginning site of the commemoration today, which begins at 2 p.m. with a fly over from the A-26. The lives and sacrifice of Ray, Leo Baker, Wade Gray, and Riley Shamburger are being celebrated.

This is followed by the bomber on display and a program with guest speakers and food at 5 p.m. This commemoration is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.