World War II has been the subject of countless books and movies, but few people have had the opportunity to hear what it was truly like from the men who fought in the trenches. On Friday, May 11, and Saturday, May 12, Fantasy of Flight presents part four of its 2012 Legends & Legacies Symposium Series, “D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy.”
Veterans who fought in Normandy on that historic day, June 6, 1944, will gather at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Fla., to share their personal stories. The D-Day veterans will interact with guests in open forum/question-and-answer sessions, followed by meet-and-greet/autograph signing sessions. D-Day panelists include Major Clifford Kantz, Winter Park, Fla., Sgt. Harold Heil, Tampa, Fla., PFC Paul Rancicot, Winter Haven, Fla., Lt. Hope Kirkendall, Lakeland, Fla., and Sgt. Teddy Fisk, Sgt. Bob Franklin and Sgt. Virgil Myers, all from Polk County, Fla.
B-17 crew prepares for its mission
Throughout May, in celebration of National Military Appreciation Month, Fantasy of Flight will extend free admission to all active-duty, retired and reserve military. Admission to the Legends & Legacies Symposium “D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy” May 11-12 is included in this special offer. Guests must present a current ID to qualify for the general admission ticket.
As the D-Day Legends & Legacies Symposium takes place over Mother’s Day weekend, Fantasy of Flight is also offering free admission to all mothers when accompanied by a paying guest. Any paid youth, senior or adult admission ticket qualifies as the accompanying paid admission. This offer is valid Thursday, May 10, through Sunday, May 13.
Known as the largest military invasion in world history, the Normandy Invasion came overnight with parachute and glider landings, naval bombardments, massive air attacks and amphibious beachfront assaults. Months in the making, it required the coordination of thousands of Allied Forces and was an operation so mammoth that once set in motion, there was no turning back.
“What better way to learn about one of the most historically significant battles in world history than from the men who were actually there,” said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight. “We are honored to be able to provide this living history forum to make sure these valuable lessons and stories will continue to be told for generations to come.”
Upcoming events in the Legends & Legacies Symposium Series include: “Reflections of Vietnam,” June 8-9 and “Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival,” Oct. 12-13. Fantasy of Flight welcomes inquiries from all those who may be interested in participating in the symposium series.
The series events are included in the price of Fantasy of Flight general admission of $28.95 plus tax for adults, $14.95 plus tax for youth (age 6-12) and 5 and under are free with full paying adult. The symposiums are free for all Annual Pass holders.
For more information: 863-984-3500 or FantasyOfFlight.com
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