Air Force Leaders to Host Worldwide Toast to Doolittle Raiders

CJCS Caine and CSAF Wilsbach to lead annual memorial ceremony on April 17th

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:26pm

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A cinematic painting of a vintage military aircraft parked on a dimly lit airfield, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a nostalgic, contemplative mood.The Doolittle Raiders' daring 1942 mission continues to inspire the next generation of American airpower.Arlington Today

The Air & Space Forces Association is hosting its annual Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast on April 17, 2026, to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid. The ceremony will be led by toastmaster Gen. Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and will also feature Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Air Force and Space Force units, AFA Chapters, national organizations, individual supporters, and coalition partners around the world are invited to tune in and host their own toasts to honor the legacy of the Doolittle Raiders.

Why it matters

The Doolittle Raid in 1942 was a pivotal moment in American airpower history, demonstrating the courage, innovation, and audacity of the U.S. military. This annual memorial toast aims to recognize the sacrifice and bravery of the 80 Airmen who carried out the raid, as well as inspire the next generation of Airmen and Guardians to lead with the same spirit.

The details

The Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast ceremony will begin at 5:45 p.m. ET on April 17, 2026 and can be livestreamed at afa.org/Toast or on AFA's YouTube channel. The event is organized by AFA's Doolittle Leadership Center and will honor the enduring heritage and heroes of the Air Force, recognize the dedication of today's Airmen and Guardians, and inspire future leaders.

  • The Doolittle Raid took place in 1942.
  • The annual Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast was revived in 2024.
  • This year's ceremony will be held on April 17, 2026.

The players

Gen. Dan Caine

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the toastmaster for the Doolittle Raiders Memorial ceremony.

Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who will be featured in the Doolittle Raiders Memorial ceremony.

Air & Space Forces Association (AFA)

An independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. AFA is hosting the annual Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast.

Doolittle Leadership Center

AFA's Doolittle Leadership Center, which is organizing the Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast and delivering leadership-training courses, workshops, and resources to Air Force, Space Force, and aerospace industry leaders.

Dr. Patrick Donley

A retired Air Force colonel and the director of AFA's Doolittle Leadership Center.

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What they’re saying

“The courage, innovation, and audacity of General Jimmy Doolittle and his band of Raiders in the face of overwhelming odds runs deep in the DNA of every Airman and Guardian today.”

— Dr. Patrick Donley, Director of AFA's Doolittle Leadership Center

What’s next

The Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast ceremony will be held on April 17, 2026 at 5:45 p.m. ET. Details for hosting a local toast event can be found on the AFA website.

The takeaway

The annual Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of American airpower and the importance of cultivating courageous, innovative leaders in the Air Force and Space Force. By honoring the sacrifice and bravery of the original Doolittle Raiders, this ceremony inspires current and future generations of Airmen and Guardians to uphold the same pioneering spirit.