Photo above – Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia invites the public to its June 22 Open House to view WWII aircraft and other activities, in honor of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Airbase mechanics spend years restoring vintage WWII aircraft so the public can see and hear them in flight, or actually ride in one. Here, Maintenance Officer Randy Hawkins completes metalwork on a P-47 Thunderbolt undergoing restoration. (Photo courtesy of CAF Airbase Georgia)
Sights and sounds of the 1944 Allied invasion of Europe will be recreated at the CAF Airbase Georgia Summer Open House June 22, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. All activities will be at the Airbase hangar, 1200 Echo Ct., Peachtree City, adjacent to the Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field, from noon to 4 p.m.
Sit in on a reenactment of a bomber mission briefing, have a dog tag made, and enjoy the fleet of meticulously restored World War II aircraft on display and in the air at the Airbase Georgia hangar. For more excitement, book a Living History Flight Experience on one of the Airbase vintage aircraft available that day. Flights may be booked in advance at https://airbasegeorgia.org, subject to aircraft availability.
Volunteers dressed as Rosie the Riveter and WWII military personnel will add to the 1940s atmosphere. Exhibits and activities will include bomber turrets, paratrooper gear, a Link trainer, memorabilia for sale, and refreshments from a local food truck. The National Infantry Museum will be on hand with authentic equipment used by the U.S. Army in the fight to liberate Normandy. Visitors also may view aircraft undergoing restoration, including a Stearman biplane and a P-47 Thunderbolt.
“This may be the only event in the Atlanta area commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day,” said Airbase Leader Joel Perkins. ‘The mission of the Commemorative Air Force is to honor, inspire and educate. Airbase Georgia is proud to honor such a momentous event as a tribute to those who gave so much for the Allied victory in World War II.”
