A rare 1940’s B-24 Liberator bomber will highlight this year’s World War II Heritage Days, hosted by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing on April 18-19.
The CAF’s B-24, “Diamond Lil,” one of only two still flying, will arrive at Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field (KFFC) in Peachtree City for the event. This historic WWII aircraft will be on display and rides will be available during the festival.
The 2015 event will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Allied victory and end of the Second World War in 1945. The program provides a living history experience unique to the state of Georgia, bringing together historic aircraft, vintage military vehicles, antique cars, educational displays and demonstrations, including mock military ground battles staged by war re-enactors.
The CAF Dixie Wing’s fleet of WWII aircraft also will be on display for the 12th annual World War II Heritage Days weekend. Visitors will see the Wing’s Corsair, P-51 Mustang, SBD-Dauntless dive bomber and other restored aircraft. Rides on the B-24 and other aircraft can be scheduled in advance by visiting www.wwiidays.org. The B-24 is the same type of aircraft featured in the recent hit movie, “Unbroken.”
The B-24 was used by the United States, Great Britain and Canada during World War II and ended the war as the most produced heavy bomber, with 18,400 copies built. The B-24 also holds the record for the most-produced military aircraft in American history.
Former B-24 crew members and other World War II veterans will be on hand to share their experiences through a series of panel discussions. Joining the airmen will be Mustang and Corsair pilots; award-winning author Bruce Gamble, noted for his series of books on the famed Black Sheep Squadron; women veterans and Rosie the Riveters, women who served in the manufacturing facilities that produced unprecedented, massive amounts of U.S. war equipment.
Saturday night, “Keep ‘em Flying”, a World War II-theme hangar dance and dinner, will recreate the magic and romance of the Big Band era. Dance guests will hear the Peachtree Jazz Edition perform classics made famous by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.
Described as “one of the best bands in Atlanta,” the Peachtree Jazz Edition will be joined by the Freedom Belles, a female trio that performs songs by the Andrews Sisters and other stars. World War II veterans will be hosted as guests of honor.
Proceeds from the dance cover costs associated with hosting WWII Heritage Days, as well as the ongoing preservation of the group’s historic aircraft and “Education Through Living History,” a World War II history program made available by CAF Dixie Wing volunteers to schools and youth groups free of charge.
Suggested donation for WWII Heritage Days is $5. World War II veterans, active duty military in uniform and children 5 and under are admitted free. WWII Heritage Days will take place rain or shine. Please no pets. Tickets for “Keep ‘em Flying” are $55 before April 13, $65 at the door.
Reserved tables and group discounts are available. For more information, visit www.wwiidays.org or call 678-364-1110.
The Commemorative Air Force is a nonprofit organization dedicated to flying and restoring World War II aircraft. Based in Midland, Texas, the organization has more than 12,000 members and operates a fleet of more than 162 World War II aircraft. More information can be found at www.commemorativeairforce.org.
