In celebration of National Military Appreciation Month, Fantasy of Flight’s collection fo aircraft in Polk City, Fla., will offer complimentary admission to all active-duty, retired and reserve members of the U.S. armed forces throughout the month of May. Guests must present a current military ID to qualify for the free general admission ticket.
This special military offer includes the May 13-14 Legends & Legacies Symposium, “D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy.” Throughout the two-day event, the general public will have the opportunity to hear firsthand from some of the few living World War II veterans who participated in the largest military invasion in world history — The Invasion of Normandy, better known as D-Day, June 6, 1944. Just one installment of Fantasy of Flight’s six-part series, “D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy,” will shine the spotlight on the men who fought for their lives on that historic day when thousands of Allied Forces stormed the beach in Normandy, France.
Throughout the weekend, WWII heroes including Richard Ortega, Clifford Kantz and Howard Huebner, will share personal stories and recollections of the D-Day invasion and the grueling weeks that followed. Their stories promise to sound hauntingly familiar: Richard Ortega served with Easy Company, which was portrayed in the 2001 HBO miniseries, Band of Brothers and the 1992 book by Stephen Ambrose. Howard Huebner, a paratrooper, fought with Easy Company after members of his company missed their drop zone by several miles and became separated dangerously close to German barracks. His story is portrayed in the film D-Day Down to Earth – Return of the 507th.
“It is our privilege to honor the brave men and women of our armed forces by offering them complimentary admission to Fantasy of Flight,” said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight. “This is just a small way to thank them for their commitment and sacrifice.”
The “Legends & Legacies Symposium Series” features six topics scheduled for 2011, with remaining symposiums to include “D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy,” May 13-14; “The Pacific War: Power and Pursuit,” June 10-11; and “The Great Escape: Heroes Underground,” Oct. 14-15. All symposiums are included with daily general admission and are free for all Annual Pass holders.
Each symposium features several open-forum/question-and-answer sessions, followed by meet-and-greet/autograph signing sessions.
For more information: 863-984-3500 or www.fantasyofflight.com
