EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Jan. 15, 2009) - An extensive list of special programs and events honoring America's veterans will be part of highlights during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," when the 58th annual event comes to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh on July 26-August 1.
AirVenture's "Salute to Veterans" is a national partnership led by EAA, the Warbirds of America, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Activities will take place throughout the grounds during the week, with DAV playing a major role in the featured events, including the concluding concert by actor Gary Sinise's "Lt. Dan Band" on Friday evening, July 30.
"Those of us who enjoy the freedom of flight know that freedom comes at a cost - a cost borne by those who have served in uniform," said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman/president. "This is the right thing to do at Oshkosh, because AirVenture is an event that honors flight like no other and is a great opportunity to salute those who serve and have served, and ensured our ability to participate in aviation. Salute to Veterans will be one of the primary focuses during AirVenture 2010."
All veterans and active military personnel who are not EAA members are eligible for a special daily AirVenture admission rate of $28 (nearly 25 percent off the regular daily price). This special discount is only available for tickets purchased in advance through the www.airventure.org website. EAA-member military personnel will continue to receive the EAA-member rate, the lowest adult admission rate available to the event.
"DAV is honored to continue this wonderful partnership with the EAA," said DAV National Commander Bobby Barrera. "The EAA's commitment to honoring those who bear the scars of battle is truly remarkable."
Along with the special admission pricing and Lt. Dan Band concert, other featured events and highlights during AirVenture's Salute to Veterans are:
* Specially designated forums and speakers throughout the week;
* Historic and current military aircraft and personalities on AeroShell Square;
* A mass gathering of veterans for a photo opportunities on Wednesday, July 28, and Friday, July 30;
* An evening program focused on veterans on Wednesday, July 28;
* A special air show segment featuring Vietnam-era Warbirds on Wednesday, July 28;
* An upgraded Warbird Aircraft Display area with additional programs on military aircraft throughout the week;
* The always-popular expanded Warbirds air shows on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31;
* Additional programs and events as details are finalized.
The Salute to Veterans program will have a "Thank A Veteran" focus and will coincide with the 75th anniversaries of two significant U.S. military aircraft: The Boeing B-17 bomber and the Douglas DC-3 aircraft, which carried the C-47 (Army) and R-4D (Navy) designations during its active military service.
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.
