Young Historians Program aims to get kids to help spread the word about aviation history

The D-Day Squadron has partnered with Warbird Digest to help grow a new Young Historians Program.

The program already has more than a dozen members throughout the US and Europe.

“Not all are aviation or warbird enthusiasts, yet all are passionate about the Greatest Generation, our many veterans who served and sacrificed,” officials noted.

“The goal of the Young Historians Program is educating today’s youth on the historical legacy of World War II,” said Michael Naya Jr., founder. “This is done through surviving aircraft from that era, honoring our veterans, and educational outreach programs. The Young Historians Program has developed into a small yet growing community of young historians, future educators, aircrews, and those from a wide variety of backgrounds who want to ensure the Greatest Generation and their achievements are not forgotten. By forming this program, we are ensuring that these stories will live on for decades to come.”

By providing increased awareness and education using digital platforms, the goal is to reach younger generations and build a pool of social media influencers to boost the popularity and knowledge of aviation history, officials explained.

Both organizations also aim to bring more youth to events, such as fly-over missions, commemorations, and airshows.

“Attendance at these related events allows for young members to have greater access to veterans, aircraft, and even participate as crew across our DC-3 operations,” D-Day Squadron officials said.