Families will have the unique opportunity to share in the sights and sounds of wartime America in the 1940s at the 13th annual World War II Heritage Days, scheduled for April 30-May 1 at Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field in Peachtree City.
Reenactors will stage realistic mock battles, veterans will talk about their experiences, and Placid Lassie, a C-47 transport aircraft flown during the D-Day invasion, is scheduled to appear for the weekend. World War II D-Day paratrooper James “Pee Wee” Martin also will discuss his experiences.
An aerial demonstration will be part of the schedule each afternoon, along with a simulated D-Day airborne mission briefing, ‘40s music by the Freedom Belles and reenacted Hollywood camp shows as they were done by Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and popular actresses. American Legion Post 50 will operate a mess tent with hot sandwiches and Spam-burgers.
“Keep ‘em Flying”, a nostalgic World War II-themed hangar dance and dinner, offers a big-band performance by the Peachtree Jazz Edition where World War II veterans will be hosted as guests of honor. A weekend highlight, the dance is sold out for the second straight year.
“This event provides a living history experience unique in the State of Georgia, bringing together historic operational aircraft, vintage military vehicles, antique cars, educational displays and demonstrations,” said co-chair Chris Madrid. “WWII Heritage Days reflects the Commemorative Air Force’s education mission and allows us to preserve the legacy of The Greatest Generation by providing education through living history.”
The theme for 2016 is “Remember Pearl Harbor”. World War II veterans and the men and women who managed the home front are invited to attend the entire weekend and the dance as guests of the CAF Dixie Wing.
More than 350 people, including 100 reenactors, from throughout the southeast have volunteered to create the event. Registered organizations include the U.S. Army Signal Corps Museum, Atlanta History Center, Mighty 8th Air Force Historical Society, Georgia Chapter and the Georgia Military Vehicle Preservation Association (GMVPA). Acclaimed World War II aviation author Bruce Gamble will provide a presentation about B-17 Flying Fortresses in the Pacific.
Suggested donations for WWII Heritage Days are: Adults $10, children ages 11-17, $5. Children under 10, World War II veterans, and active duty military in uniform and are admitted free. WWII Heritage Days will take place rain or shine. Please no pets. For more information, visit www.wwiidays.org.
The Commemorative Air Force is a non-profit organization dedicated to flying and restoring World War II aircraft. Based in Dallas, Texas, the organization has more than 13,000 members and operates a fleet of more than 162 World War II aircraft. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org.
