DALLAS — The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) B-24 Liberator “Diamond Lil” will lead the CAF AirPower History Tour and a squadron of historic aircraft to a landing at a patriotic celebration and veterans’ fundraiser at Branson Airport, Missouri, Sept. 2-4.
The CAF AirPower History Tour brings the sights, sounds and stories of World War II aviation to communities across the country, providing powerful history lessons about America’s role in The Second World War, especially important now as we continue to lose members of the Greatest Generation.
Of the 16 million men and women who served in uniform during World War II, the Veterans Administration estimates less than 850,000 are alive today.
The weekend display will allow visitors to tour and inspect vintage aircraft, watch them fly and purchase rides.
Built in San Diego, California in 1941, Diamond Lil is returning to the skies after an extensive year-long restoration by members of the Commemorative Air Force B-29/B-24 Squadron based at the group’s national headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Diamond Lil is the world’s oldest flying World War II four-engine bomber.
More than 18,400 Liberators were manufactured by four companies in California, Michigan, Oklahoma and Texas, making the B-24 Liberator the most produced military aircraft in American history and an icon of the Arsenal of Democracy, the collective effort of American industry to arm and supply the Allied nations during the Second World War.
Proceeds from the tour stop will be used to maintain the historic aircraft and support Branson Veterans Task Force community programs.
The CAF AirPower History Tour will be staged at Branson Jet Center. The event will be open to the public Friday, Sept. 2 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday Sept. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
Admission to the ramp is $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 11-17. Children age 10 and younger are free.
Admission fee includes a free tour of Diamond Lil.
For ride reservations and additional information about the AirPower History Tour visit AirpowerTour.org.
CAF has also produced a video, “If These Planes Could Talk.” Check it out here: