Everyone knows how World War II ended, but many people have never before heard personal, firsthand accounts of the men and women who lived through it. On Friday, April 13, and Saturday, April 14, Fantasy of Flight will continue its Legends & Legacies Symposium Series with “Unspoken Valor: The Bomber Crews of World War II.”
World War II bombers, including the B-25 Mitchell, the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-24 Liberator, featured amazing strengths but also potentially catastrophic weaknesses. Throughout the two-day symposium at the Polk City, Fla., venue, several brave veterans who manned behemoth bomber aircraft share tales that only the insiders — and survivors — could know. The veterans will interact with guests in open forum/question-and-answer sessions, followed by meet-and-greet/autograph signing sessions.
Not only will guests be able to hear firsthand from these daring airmen and patriots, they will be able to walk through an authentic B-17 Flying Fortress and imagine what it was like to participate in a bombing mission over Germany as one of the bomber’s 10-member crew. Visitors will also get an up-close look at the P-51 Mustang, the fighter escort for the B-17.
“We are truly honored to welcome these distinguished airmen to Fantasy of Flight to share their incredible stories about flying bombing missions in the B-17 and others,” said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight. “The opportunity to hear firsthand from our World War II veterans is truly a gift and we hope that all of Central Florida will come out to support these true war heroes while learning more about their amazing aircraft.”
Upcoming events in the 2012 Legends & Legacies Symposium Series include: “D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy,” May 11-12; “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, officials note.
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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