WWII HONOR FLIGHT AT
EAA AIRVENTURE 2012 WILL FLY VETERANS TO D.C. MEMORIALS
American
Airlines’ 737 to depart, arrive at AirVenture grounds as part of ‘Salute to
Veterans’
EAA
AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (June 26, 2012) — EAA, American Airlines, and Old Glory Honor
Flight, Inc., have joined together once again 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 2012 on Friday, July 27.
The
60th annual edition of “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” will take
place July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The Old Glory Honor
Flight is just one of the endless attractions, activities and forums as part of
“Salute to Veterans Day,” presented by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, on July
27.
On
the morning of Friday, July 27, 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 and Arlington National Cemetery.
“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 Jim
Palmersheim, Director of Veterans Military Programs 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 Friday for a scheduled
arrival shortly after 6 p.m., when they will be greeted by thousands of
AirVenture attendees on Phillips 66 Plaza and receive a welcome home reception
that many did not receive more than 60 years ago.
"We
at Old Glory Honor Flight live by the motto that it is never too late to say
'thank you,' and we are honored to be conducting our third annual AirVenture
Honor Flight in partnership with EAA and American Airlines," said Drew
MacDonald, President of Old Glory Honor Flight, Inc. “It is truly a unique
and spectacular way of showing our admiration, respect and gratitude for
America's military veterans."
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.
About
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
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 www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.