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EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Jan. 15, 2009) - An
extensive list of special programs and events honoring America's
veterans will be part of highlights during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The
World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," when the 58th annual event comes
to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh on July 26-August 1.
AirVenture's "Salute to Veterans" is a national partnership led
by EAA, the Warbirds of America, and the Disabled American Veterans
(DAV). Activities will take place throughout the grounds during the
week, with DAV playing a major role in the featured events, including
the concluding concert by actor Gary Sinise's "Lt. Dan Band" on Friday
evening, July 30.
"Those of us who enjoy the freedom of flight know that freedom
comes at a cost - a cost borne by those who have served in uniform,"
said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman/president. "This is the right thing to
do at Oshkosh, because AirVenture is an event that honors flight like no
other and is a great opportunity to salute those who serve and have
served, and ensured our ability to participate in aviation. Salute to
Veterans will be one of the primary focuses during AirVenture 2010."
All veterans and active military personnel who are not EAA
members are eligible for a special daily AirVenture admission rate of
$28 (nearly 25 percent off the regular daily price). This special
discount is only available for tickets purchased in advance through the
www.airventure.org website. EAA-member military personnel will continue
to receive the EAA-member rate, the lowest adult admission rate
available to the event.
"DAV is honored to continue this wonderful partnership with the
EAA," said DAV National Commander Bobby Barrera. "The EAA's commitment
to honoring those who bear the scars of battle is truly remarkable."
Along with the special admission pricing and Lt. Dan Band
concert, other featured events and highlights during AirVenture's Salute
to Veterans are:
* Specially designated forums and speakers throughout the week;
* Historic and current military aircraft and personalities on AeroShell
Square;
* A mass gathering of veterans for a photo opportunities on Wednesday,
July 28, and Friday, July 30;
* An evening program focused on veterans on Wednesday, July 28;
* A special air show segment featuring Vietnam-era Warbirds on
Wednesday, July 28;
* An upgraded Warbird Aircraft Display area with additional programs on
military aircraft throughout the week;
* The always-popular expanded Warbirds air shows on Friday, July 30 and
Saturday, July 31;
* Additional programs and events as details are finalized.
The Salute to Veterans program will have a "Thank A Veteran" focus
and will coincide with the 75th anniversaries of two significant U.S.
military aircraft: The Boeing B-17 bomber and the Douglas DC-3 aircraft,
which carried the C-47 (Army) and R-4D (Navy) designations during its
active military service.
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World's Greatest Aviation
Celebration and EAA's yearly membership convention. Additional EAA
AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase,
is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest
prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its
programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org.
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