The Thunderbirds have kicked off the official start to their 2008 season which will have them performing 37 shows this year around the country.

Before the Thunderbirds can get the green light to do their shows, they must get approval from a 4-star general. That approval took place during a demonstration show on March 11, 2008 for top military officials.

The team is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. Included in the demonstration show was the first solo flight by a female pilot paired with the unit's first African-American solo pilot.

The team's first performance was June 8, 1953 at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Since then, the Thunderbirds have flown before millions people at more than 4,000 air demonstrations in all 50 states and more than 61 foreign countries.

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