Ford Motor Company celebrates its commitment to southeast Michigan with the Ford Fireworks in Detroit on Monday, June 22, including a special salute to the nation’s military with a flyover by World War II-era airplanes.

Ford is title sponsor of the Ford Fireworks in Detroit through a multiyear partnership with The Parade Company. Featuring more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects visible for miles along the Detroit River, the fireworks event, now in its 57th year, will begin at 10:06 p.m.

As part of the celebration, Ford Motor Company Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm, is collaborating with Yankee Air Museum in Belleville, Mich., to host Focus on Freedom. This special event honors 250 current and former members of the military and their families with a reception at the Detroit/Wayne Port Authority building, and an up-close view of the fireworks.

This year, three airplanes from the Yankee Air Museum — a B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell and Douglas C-47D Skytrain — will make several passes along the Detroit Riverfront about 90 minutes before the fireworks begin.

“Ford has been a part of this community for more than a century. We are proud to give back by supporting events like the fireworks, which benefit not just Detroit, but the entire region,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “The Ford Fireworks celebration is also our way of thanking the men and women of the armed forces who make our freedom possible.”

Ford is also supporting Cass Community Social Services on its signature annual fundraiser, Catch the Fireworks. Former Detroit Piston Vinnie Johnson will serve as honorary chair. The event will take place at Coach Insignia restaurant atop the Renaissance Center, where guests will be able to watch the fireworks display.

Over the past 10 years, Ford Fund has donated $150 million to organizations throughout southeast Michigan, supporting community, education and vehicle safety programs. In addition, Ford employees around the world donate their time and expertise to community improvement projects. Earlier this month, more than 500 volunteers participated in dozens of projects for an Accelerated Action Day focused on the environment.

The Ford Fireworks can be viewed on WDIV-Local 4’s live broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. News/Talk 760 WJR will do a special radio simulcast throughout the event and provide up-to-the-minute traffic and weather information throughout the day. Follow the event on social media at #fordfireworks.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services

Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community and global partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 65 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. Ford Driving Skills for Life is free, interactive, hands-on safety training focused on skill development and driving techniques, while addressing inexperience, distractions and impaired driving. Innovation in education is encouraged through Ford Blue Oval Scholars, Ford Next Generation Learning and other inspiring programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. The Ford Volunteer Corps enlists more than 30,000 Ford employees and retirees each year to work on local projects that strengthen their communities and improve people’s lives in more than 40 countries around the world. For more information, visit http://community.ford.com.

For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.

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