Aviation Attraction Once Again Reunites War Heroes and Legends of American Flight for 2010 "Living History Series"
Fantasy of Flight is First and Only Attraction to Provide Forum for World War II Heroes—Tuskegee Airmen, Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) AND American Fighter Aces—to Share Their Personal Stories with the Public
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POLK CITY, Fla. (Dec. 14, 2009) – Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida's premier aviation attraction, has just announced that it will once again bring back its popular and culturally significant Living History Series for 2010, kicking off the series are three distinct groups of legendary aviation heroes from World War II—the Tuskegee Airmen Feb. 18-20, 2010, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) March 25-27, 2010 and the American Fighter Aces later in the Spring.
Fantasy of Flight is one of the only attractions in the country to bring together legendary World War II heroes to share their firsthand accounts of flying in the heyday of aviation as they protected their country.
"Each year, it is our extreme privilege and honor to welcome the Tuskegee Airmen, WASP, American Fighter Aces and other American military heroes to Fantasy of Flight for a historic reunion and celebration of their brave accomplishments. Many of these distinguished war veterans are now in their late 70s, 80s and early 90s, making the opportunity to hear their firsthand accounts of the war even more compelling and timely," said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight. "We hope that not only aviation buffs, but also families, individuals, student and Scout groups, other veterans, and anyone who loves America, will join us to honor these distinguished war heroes."
In honor of National Black History Month, the 2010 Living History series kicks off Feb. 18-20 with "They Dared to Fly," in which four of the remaining Tuskegee Airmen, the first African Americans to be trained as WWII military pilots, will reunite at Fantasy of Flight to share their recollections of wartime military service during segregated America. Fantasy of Flight’s permanent multi-media Tuskegee Airmen exhibit, which also includes previously recorded interviews with several of the pioneering Airmen, provides the perfect backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the brave men who fought America’s enemies abroad while enduring racism at home.
The event includes several open-forum/question-and-answer sessions with the four distinguished
Airmen — Dr. Roscoe Brown, Col. Lee Archer, Leo Gray and Hiram Mann— on Thursday, Feb. 18, Friday, Feb. 19 and on Saturday, Feb. 20 at Fantasy of Flight's Officers Club. On each day, guests can enjoy breathtaking flight demonstrations featuring one of the fully restored aircraft on display at Fantasy of Flight.
Prior to the Tuskegee Airmen, no U.S. military pilots had been African American. In an effort to undermine Congress’ 1941 decision to form an all-black combat unit, the War Department created requirements so stringent they thought the posts could not be filled. The effort backfired, however, when thousands of qualified applicants came forward, many of whom had already participated in civilian pilot training at the historically black Tuskegee Institute. Of the original group of nearly 1,000 trained pilots and 15,000 ground personnel that made up the Tuskegee Airmen, roughly 100 pilots and 200 ground crew are alive today.
"The Tuskegee Airmen epitomize bravery in every sense of the word," said Kermit Weeks, Fantasy of Flight founder and creator. "Despite being treated as second class citizens, they stepped forward to serve our country and opened doors for countless African Americans who came after them. We could not be more proud to showcase their accomplishments and provide a venue for their personal stories of triumph.”
The second event in the three-part Living History Series takes place March 25-27. In honor of National Women’s History Month, "A Passionate Pursuit" will feature the WASP — Women Airforce Service Pilots — a spirited squadron of pilots who left their homes and jobs at the height of World War II to serve their country as the first American women to fly for the U.S. Military. The event will bring to life the experiences of some of America's most courageous aviators through permanent and semi-permanent exhibits, real aircraft, and most importantly, personal stories from real WASP pilots.
The third series event, "Victory in the Sky," will take place later in the Spring and will feature the World War II American Fighter Aces. This elite group of combat pilots shot down five or more hostile aircraft in air-to-air combat in World War I and II, as well as Korea and Vietnam. Out of more than 40,000 fighter pilots trained during World War II, only 1,314 had the skill and bravery to become an American Fighter Ace. Along with firsthand accounts from the Fighter Aces, Fantasy of Flight's immersion experiences and meticulously recreated historical exhibits take guests back in time to see, hear and feel what it was like to fly some of America’s greatest wartime airplanes. The true stories of these courageous pilots are further brought to life by the world’s largest private collection of rare and vintage aircraft, and tours of aircraft restoration and maintenance areas.
During each symposium, Fantasy of Flight will feature "Open Cockpit Days" during which guests are invited to get up close and personal with some of America's most rare vintage aircraft and climb aboard for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.
Fantasy of Flight also hosts a number of other special events throughout the 2010 year, including the 100th Anniversary of Scouting Camporee, March 5- 7; The Blue Max: Scale Remote Controlled (R/C) Challenge and Fly-In, March 12-13; the Sun ‘n Fun Splash-In at Fantasy of Flight on Lakes Agnes, April 15; Extended Spring Break for Pilots, April 13-May 31; Mustangs & Mustangs—Legends Havin’ Fun 2010, April 17; Roar n' Soar, Nov. 13 -14 and many more.
Cost of each Living History symposium is included with Fantasy of Flight admission, which is $28.95 for adults, $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Children 5 and younger are free. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6–15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Open Cockpit Days are free for Annual Pass holders and available to general admission guests for an additional fee.