EAA, American Airlines, and the Honor Flight Network have joined together to
\ngive World War II veterans the opportunity to visit the powerful
\nmemorials dedicated in their honor with an Old Glory Honor Flight
\ndeparting from EAA AirVenture 2010.<\/p>\n
The Old Glory Honor Flight is one of hundreds activities
\ncomprising the week-long "Salute to Veterans" commemoration at "The
\nWorld’s Greatest Aviation Celebration," which is being held July
\n26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, July 29, the special American Airlines
\nyellow-ribbon 737 aircraft, "Flagship Liberty," will fly approximately
\n80 World War II veterans from the AirVenture grounds to Washington, D.C.
\nAfter a reception greeting them at Reagan National Airport, the veterans
\nwill be taken on a day-long tour of memorials honoring the sacrifices
\nthey made preserving freedom, including the World War II Memorial, Iwo
\nJima Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and the Vietnam
\nWall.<\/p>\n
"All of us at American Airlines are excited to be a part of this
\nyear’s EAA AirVenture, and especially to have the opportunity to fly
\nsome of our nation’s greatest treasures – World War II veterans – to see
\ntheir memorial in Washington, D.C.," said Captain Steve Blankenship,
\nManaging Director – Veterans Initiatives for American Airlines.
\n"American has a long history of supporting our troops, veterans and
\ntheir families. It is an honor to serve the members of the ‘Greatest
\nGeneration’ who have given so much for this country."<\/p>\n
The Old Glory Honor Flight veterans will return to AirVenture on
\nThursday for a scheduled arrival shortly after 6 p.m., when they will
\nreceive a welcome home reception that many did not receive more than 60
\nyears ago.<\/p>\n
"Adding the Old Glory Honor Flight to AirVenture is a natural
\nfit with this year’s ‘Salute to Veterans’ theme," said Tom Poberezny,
\nEAA chairman\/president and AirVenture chairman. "We are honored to
\npartner with American Airlines and the Honor Flight Network, giving
\nthese heroes the opportunity to see the sites dedicated to their service
\nand allowing them to receive the recognition they deserve."<\/p>\n
The Old Glory Honor Flight, the Northeast Wisconsin hub of the
\nHonor Flight Network, recognizes World War II veterans for sacrifices
\nand achievements by providing a memorable, safe and rewarding tour of
\nWashington, D.C., memorials at no cost.<\/p>\n
Additional information on the Old Glory Honor Flight is
\navailable at www.oldgloryhonorflight.org.<\/p>\n
"Flagship Liberty" is scheduled to arrive at AirVenture at 9
\na.m. on Wednesday, July 28, and be staged at AeroShell Square, where it
\nwill be available for tours throughout the day.<\/p>\n
American Airlines is the official airline of Gary Sinise and The
\nLt. Dan Band, which will perform at AirVenture 2010 on Friday, July 30.
\nThe concert, sponsored by EAA Warbirds of America and the Disabled
\nAmerican Veterans (DAV), is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Theater in the
\nWoods.<\/p>\n
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World’s Greatest Aviation
\nCelebration and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA
\nAirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase,
\nis available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest
\nprices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs,
\ncall 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate
\nnews is available at http:\/\/twitter.com\/EAAupdate.<\/p>\n