Peachtree City’s airport and a local World War II flying museum will partner to host the Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field and Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing Veterans Day Open House on Saturday, Nov. 3, from 9 a.m-4 p.m. The day’s activities will include Peachtree City’s 2012 Veteran’s Day Observance, vintage aircraft displays and a special announcement by the Great Georgia Airshow. The open house is free to the public.
The 2012 Veteran’s Day Observance will mark the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War and pay special tribute to veterans of the conflict. The program will be held at the CAF Dixie Wing Historical Airpower Facility and begin at 9:45 a.m. with a performance of patriotic songs by Music Alive. Maj Gen. George Harrison, USAF, Ret. will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Guest speaker Col. Ben Malcom, USA Ret., will share his experience as a young infantry officer leading anti-communist guerillas in North Korea. Korean War veterans attending the program will receive commemorative certificates from the Department of Defense 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Committee. Veterans organizations, the Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol and educational displays will also help mark the day.
One hundred Korean War veterans are expected to attend the event.
Veterans Day dates back to 1918, when President Woodrow Wilson declared Nov. 11th Armistice Day to remember the sacrifices of the men and women made during World War I. After World War II, Armistice Day was expanded to celebrate all veterans. On June 1, 1954, congress approved replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since.
Airport activities will commence promptly at noon when representatives of the Great Georgia Airshow (GGAS) announce the date of the 2013 show. For 14 consecutive years GGAS served as a fundraiser for over 40 local non-profits and civic organizations and is known as one of the best air shows in the nation. The show has taken a hiatus in 2012, however plans are already underway for a high-energy show that will feature new acts and dynamic entertainment for all ages.
A variety of vintage aircraft will be on display at the airport terminal, including the CAF Dixie Wing’s World War II and Korean War-era warbirds, as well as a venerable Douglas DC-3, and classic Waco biplane from the Peach State Aerodrome and the Candler Field Museum. Rides will be available for purchase in several aircraft.
EAA 468, the Williamson-based chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, will join the line-up by hosting a Young Eagles Rally during day. The Young Eagles program is designed to give children between the ages of 8 to 17 an opportunity to experience flight in a general aviation airplane while educating children about aviation. The Veterans Day Open House is presented as a public service by the Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field and the CAF Dixie Wing. For information regarding the Falcon Field Open House, call 770-487-2225. Korean War veterans who would like to receive a certificate are encouraged to call 770-599-9324 or email senoiabuck@earthlink.com.
