A flyover was held Tuesday to honor the life and service of World War II veteran William “Bill” Mitchell, a longtime resident of Tallulah who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Members of the Hall of Fame Titan Aerobatic Team flew over Old Tallulah High School at 1 p.m. April 6 in tribute to Mitchell. The event took place at 603 Bayou Street and was open to the public.
Mitchell served as a buck sergeant and mechanic during World War II. He worked on weapons trucks, wreckers, Willys Jeeps, C-47 aircraft, B-24 aircraft and P-47 aircraft. Organizers said his work supported military operations during the war.
Tallulah Mayor Yvonne Lewis said Mitchell played a role in the community and with younger residents.
“Mr. Mitchell was an integral part of this community,” Lewis said. “He was one of those people that spoke to young men, that spoke to our young people.”
Lewis said the flyover reflects recognition of World War II veterans in the area.
“It shows not only in Tallulah do people recognize how important our World War II veterans are, but it’s going to allow us to show everybody in Northeast Louisiana that we have a piece of living history here in Madison Parish,” Lewis said.
Mitchell’s wife, Vanda Mitchell, said she did not expect the turnout.
“I’m overwhelmed,” she said. “I didn’t expect as many people to come. I thought they were going to do the fly up and go, but it meant a lot to me.”
She said Mitchell valued family and community.
“He raised my four kids,” she said. “He loved children and taught them what he knew.”
She said the tribute showed the impact Mitchell had on others.
“It meant a lot to me to know that he had people that I didn’t know he was connected to,” she said.
Lewis said the city plans to continue recognizing Mitchell in the future.
“The city is ready to step in and make sure that we find something every year where we can honor Mr. Mitchell,” she said
