News

Museum of Aviation gala weekend to feature WWII exhibit opening, Lee Greenwood concert

  • Published
  • By Bob Dubiel
  • Museum of Aviation
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  A Gala Weekend to honor World War II veterans is planned at the Museum of Aviation this weekend featuring the grand opening of a new Hangar and exhibit and a free public concert by Lee Greenwood and the Band of the Air Force Reserve.

Today at 6 p.m., a reception and black tie dinner will take place with a special patriotic presentation by the U.S. Air Force Band, the Airmen of Note -- the Glen Miller Band of today. Reservations are required for this event.

On Saturday, the Lee Greenwood concert will be held in the Museum front parking lot at 6 p.m. to honor World War II veterans and other Veterans of yesterday and today. Coolers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted and people are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Hotdogs and drinks will be available.

The highlight of the reception will be the opening of a new 6,000 square foot exhibit entitled Down To Earth: The 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and The Air Invasion of Normandy.

The exhibit will interpret how the cooperation of airborne, troop carrier and glider units contributed to the success of the invasion of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 and the eventual victory in Europe a year later.

Elements of the exhibit will be an actual C-47 troop carrier suspended 22 feet above the exhibit; a cut-away C-47 fuselage showing paratroopers and crew members; weapons, photos and artifacts from World War II; a replica of a French country church in the town of Cauquigny where paratroopers of the 507th PIR landed; and a simulated invasion planning room in England. A special 24 minute film designed for younger visitors will also be part of the exhibit.

Several World War II aircraft will be on display in the new hangar including a B-25 Mitchell bomber, an A-26 attack bomber and several other aircraft approximately 70 years old. World War II veterans from any service and others can register to receive an invitation to the exhibit opening dinner by going to the Museum of Aviation Web site at www.museumofaviation.org. For more info, call 923-6600.