Two years after returning 15 WWII-era DC-3s to Normandy for the 75th anniversary commemorations of D-Day, and the 70th of the Berlin Airlift, “Into Flight Once More” makes it to the big screen at the largest airshow in the world, EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. The film previews on Thursday, July 29, at approximately 9:45p.m. CT at the Fly-In Theater. Produced by Sound Off Films and narrated by Gary Sinise, the film brings to life the stories of WWII veterans, crews, and a most historic reenactment of “Operation Overlord,” the codename for the Battle of Normandy, which took place on June 6, 1944.
“There’s no greater reward to all of us who fly, operate and maintain these historic aircraft having returned them to Europe to honor the fallen, and the surviving veterans of our Greatest Generation,” shared Eric Zipkin, chief pilot for the Mission to Normandy and president of Tunison Foundation’s board of directors, which led the mission in 2019. “Each of us have close family members and relatives who served in WWII. Watching the rough cut of the film brought emotions we thought we’d never feel, and seeing our efforts supported by veteran advocate, philanthropist and award-winning actor, Gary Sinise, is incredibly humbling as well.”
At this year’s airshow, the D-Day Squadron will involve eight aircraft from the 15 that returned to Normandy in 2019. The aircraft will fly, be on display for public viewing, and there will be opportunities to connect with members of the new DC-3 Society that was launched last September. The D-Day Squadron will fly together in the warbird show Monday-Thursday. On Friday and Saturday of the show, they will perform during the D-Day portion, a chronology of the war.
We invite you to attend this Special Preview Screening of the film. Hosted by EAA, Into Flight Once More will be part of a week-long celebration honoring WWII veterans and aviation professionals. This sneak peek screening will be open to all who attend EAA AirVenture and will open with a brief conversation with director Adrienne Hall. We will be announcing the premiere date shortly, along with other opportunities to see the film.
“When I started making this film, I didn’t know the full extent of the experience of the squadron. Comprised of the most skilled and experienced pilots living today, the D-Day Squadron has put thousands of hours and tremendous resources towards honoring remaining WWII veterans,” shared Adrienne Hall, film director. “Connecting with and hearing the stories of these veterans was the honor of a lifetime and we are thrilled to share how the whole journey came together in our new film, Into Flight Once More.”
Don’t forget, you can sign up to host your own screening here: https://bit.ly/IFOMScreening
