EAA, American Airlines, and the Honor Flight Network have joined together to
give World War II veterans the opportunity to visit the powerful
memorials dedicated in their honor with an Old Glory Honor Flight
departing from EAA AirVenture 2010.
The Old Glory Honor Flight is one of hundreds activities
comprising the week-long "Salute to Veterans" commemoration at "The
World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration," which is being held July
26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
On Thursday, July 29, the special American Airlines
yellow-ribbon 737 aircraft, "Flagship Liberty," will fly approximately
80 World War II veterans from the AirVenture grounds to Washington, D.C.
After a reception greeting them at Reagan National Airport, the veterans
will be taken on a day-long tour of memorials honoring the sacrifices
they made preserving freedom, including the World War II Memorial, Iwo
Jima Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and the Vietnam
Wall.
"All of us at American Airlines are excited to be a part of this
year’s EAA AirVenture, and especially to have the opportunity to fly
some of our nation’s greatest treasures – World War II veterans – to see
their memorial in Washington, D.C.," said Captain Steve Blankenship,
Managing Director – Veterans Initiatives for American Airlines.
"American has a long history of supporting our troops, veterans and
their families. It is an honor to serve the members of the ‘Greatest
Generation’ who have given so much for this country."
The Old Glory Honor Flight veterans will return to AirVenture on
Thursday for a scheduled arrival shortly after 6 p.m., when they will
receive a welcome home reception that many did not receive more than 60
years ago.
"Adding the Old Glory Honor Flight to AirVenture is a natural
fit with this year’s ‘Salute to Veterans’ theme," said Tom Poberezny,
EAA chairman/president and AirVenture chairman. "We are honored to
partner with American Airlines and the Honor Flight Network, giving
these heroes the opportunity to see the sites dedicated to their service
and allowing them to receive the recognition they deserve."
The Old Glory Honor Flight, the Northeast Wisconsin hub of the
Honor Flight Network, recognizes World War II veterans for sacrifices
and achievements by providing a memorable, safe and rewarding tour of
Washington, D.C., memorials at no cost.
Additional information on the Old Glory Honor Flight is
available at www.oldgloryhonorflight.org.
"Flagship Liberty" is scheduled to arrive at AirVenture at 9
a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, and be staged at AeroShell Square, where it
will be available for tours throughout the day.
American Airlines is the official airline of Gary Sinise and The
Lt. Dan Band, which will perform at AirVenture 2010 on Friday, July 30.
The concert, sponsored by EAA Warbirds of America and the Disabled
American Veterans (DAV), is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Theater in the
Woods.
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World’s Greatest Aviation
Celebration and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA
AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase,
is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest
prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs,
call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate
news is available at http://twitter.com/EAAupdate.
