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line of men in military uniform holding rifles for graveside tribute — The Bay of Pigs commemoration events include a graveside military tribute. (Southern Museum of Flight)

On Tuesday, April 21, the Southern Museum of Flight will commemorate the 65^th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs Invasion and honor the legacy of four fallen Alabama servicemen. Keep reading for a little history lesson and how you can get involved.

The Bay of Pigs Invasion’s connection to Alabama

strike map of bay of pigs — The Bay of Pigs Invasion has a person connectional to Alabama’s aviation history. (Southern Museum of Flight)

In April 1961, during the Cold War, the United States backed an invasion of Cuba in attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro’s newly-formed communist government. Unable to thwart Cuba’s forces, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, as it’s known, failed within only three days with significant casualties. Those casualties included four members of the Alabama Air National Guard, whose aircraft was shot down.

While the Bay of Pigs Invasion still remains a controversial international political decision today, the service and bravery of the four, Birmingham-based, Alabama Guardsmen—Leo F. Baker, Wade C. Gray, Thomas “Pete” Ray and Riley W. Shamburger—is something to be celebrated with reverence. This year, the Southern Museum of Flight will honor these servicemen during the 65^th Annual Bay of Pigs Commemoration right here in Birmingham.

What to expect at the Southern Museum of Flight’s 65th Annual Bay of Pigs Commemoration

black and white headshots of alabama servicemen — These fallen servicemen were based right here in Birmingham. (Southern Museum of Flight)

The 65th Annual Bay of Pigs Commemoration will bring veterans, family, friends and aviation lovers together for a special day of remembrance—concluding in a keynote address by Mike Suco, CEO of Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED.

When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Graveside Military Tribute | 2PM
- Forest Hill Cemetery, 431 60th St N, Birmingham, AL 35212
- Rain or shine
A-26 Static Event | 3PM
- Million Air FBP Complex, 4725 65th Pl N, Birmingham, AL 35206
Evening Event | 5PM
- Southern Museum of Flight, 4343 73rd St N, Birmingham, AL 35206
- Keynote speaker: Mike Suco, CEO of Coca-Cola UNITED
Cost: FREE + open to the public

Remembering Alabamians who served in the Bay of Pigs—April 21st [FREE EVENT] — Check out last year’s flyover during the graveside military tribute at Forest Hill Cemetery in Birmingham

Plan your visit to the Southern Museum of Flight

The Southern Museum of Flight is one of the Southeast’s largest aviation museums, housing more than 100 aircraft alongside artifacts, photographs and exhibits spanning the earliest days of flight to modern aviation. Based in Birmingham, the museum is home to the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame, honoring individuals important to Alabama’s aviation history, and the Aviation College, offering robust programming for 16 different aviation career paths.

Visit the Southern Museum of Flight:

Where: 4343 73rd Street North Birmingham, AL 35206 | Neighboring Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday | 9AM-4PM
Cost: $10 for adults | $8 for kids | Children 3 and under free | $5 for active military & families
Contact: Website | Facebook | Email | Phone