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MID-ATLANTIC AIR MUSEUM'S WORLD WAR II WEEKEND FEATURES & SCHEDULE
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20th Annual World War II Weekend - June 4-5-6, 2010
"A GATHERING OF WARBIRDS"
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this song to hear what we want to see at the show!
...and this one to hear what we don't
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Here is a sampling
of the many, unforgettable experiences that await you at the
Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's World War II Weekend. |
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Gates open at 8:30AM each day for the nation's largest and
best known historic commemoration of the life and times of America's
"Greatest Generation"..
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Be here for Friday
arrival day and get up-close looks of the operating military vehicles as the "Liberation of Reading" convoy
moves out from the airport to the city center at 11:00. |
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All three days, you can meet, speak with, and collect autographs from many famous WWII personalities.
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The Special Guest speakers' schedules will be posted at each speaking venue.
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See more than 1,000 WWII military and civilian re-enactors and dozens of combat and support units, representing many nations.
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See up to 200 military vehicles,
from motorcycles to Jeeps to tanks - the biggest gathering in the country.
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If you stay for the evening entertainment you will see a WWII 60 inch AA searchlight in action, scouring the skies for raiders.
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Hear the thunder of tanks and artillery pieces being fired.
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Experience battles and skirmishes between the French Resistance, Allied and German troops around the battle-scarred French Village.
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In the Pacific Theater, you'll witness Marines in combat with the stubborn Japanese defenders...
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...and thrill to the recreation of
the iconic flag-raising on Mt. Suribachi by the USMC Living History
Detachment from Parris Island, SC.
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Keep your head down! American infantry and armor attack the Wehrmacht across open ground.
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Watch military vehicles and military re-enactor units pass in review on Saturday & Sunday.
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Stroll around the sprawling encampments and experience what life was like for the "G.I. Joe's", "Tommies", "Diggers","Ivans", and "Jerries" in the field. You can visit the Pacific and European theaters, U.S. Navy, Marine, and Army, encampments, British Commonwealth forces, German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe camps, and more. |
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Examine the collections and displays of
authentic weapons and gear close-up. Some re-enactor/owners will
allow you to handle some equipment, but please ask permission before
touching anything.
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But keep your eye on the sky - you never
know when an air raid is going to catch you out in the open...
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...and be on the lookout for
sneaky snipers!
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It's not just the troops on the front
lines who you'll encounter. A lot of guys and gals were "in the
rear with the gear" doing the unsung but vital jobs that kept the attack
rolling and the troops fed, equipped, and healthy. |
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Explore the ruined, but still vibrant French Village. But, Achtung! You are in German territory!
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Everywhere you look there is living
history before your eyes. Feel free to ask questions.
Re-enactors are well versed on the details of their roles, and experts
on their equipment. They will be pleased to share their knowledge
and passion, and willing to pose for your camera. |
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See scores of
beautifully restored WWII aircraft |
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See all of these wonderful pieces of aviation history fly during the Saturday and Sunday airshows, from 1 PM – 4 PM.
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All the action in the sky will be called by
Larry Rutt, "The Voice
of Experience" airshow announcer. Larry has announced over 300
airshows over the past 34 years. But Larry is no mere "talking
head", he has 40+ years aviation experience flying 36 different civil
and military aircraft types, from a Pitts S-2A to a Boeing 747-400.
We're thrilled to welcome Larry to Reading for our big 20th Anniversary
show. |
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But of course, as you've seen WWII
Weekend is far more than just an airshow. There is even more
taking place on the ground. So for all those times when you aren't
squinting up at the wild blue yonder you'll be hearing the "voice of
World War II Weekend". That's "Tech Sgt Ted" Schwartz,
who'll be keeping you informed, educated, and headed in all the right
directions, throughout the day. |
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Visit many
authentic “Home Front” displays, including air raid wardens, a recreated
'40's house, a cottage-style gas station and vintage cars, and a department
store selling 1940's items. |
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You can take a nostalgic, once-in-a-lifetime ride on the B-17G Flying Fortress "Yankee Lady".
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You can also fly aboard the beautiful B-25 J
Mitchell, "Panchito". Flown by all the armed services, and made famous
by Jimmy Doolittle's Tokyo Raid, the Mitchell served in every theater and
earned it's nickname, "Sweetheart of the Forces". |
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"Scratch one flat-top."
Climb into the
gunner's seat of either the rare Douglas SBD-5 "Dauntless" or the
one-of-a-kind SB2C-5 "Helldiver" dive bomber, heroes of the Pacific
War.
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Want to make like a fighter pilot? Take the
ultimate wild horse ride - fly on the legendary P-51D Mustang, "Red Nose"
and brag to all your buddies. |
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For something a bit more sporty (and economical) - fly aboard MAAM's beautiful SNJ Advanced or Stearman Primary Trainers. This year, once again, the PT-19 "Cornell" primary trainer joins the ride fleet. These airplanes are the types that trained thousands of allied aviators during the war.
Click here for details
on all WW2 Weekend Airplane Rides. |
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As you stroll about the Pacific
Theater, you may well encounter General Douglas MacArthur and his staff.
He'll be back again this year. Just don't call him "Dugout
Doug"! You may also meet General "Old Blood and Guts"
Patton, young PT boat commander John F. Kennedy, and other WWII
luminaries. |
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FLASH! The P-61
will be out of the hangar, and outside on the ramp this year, with her
tail booms attached! Come see this major step forward in the
one-of-a-kind restoration of our "Black Widow".
You can join the Black
Widow Restoration Support Team - Buy some Black Widow apparel and
souvenirs or drop a buck or more in
the bucket and help us make her the only one of her type in the air. |
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Try your hand at flying several of the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's aircraft at the
MAAM-SIM
flight simulator demo display in the main hangar. You can buy these
award-winning flight simulator products to fly at home on your own computer
and benefit the museum's restoration programs with your purchase. |
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Shop the extensive militaria flea market – 120 plus vendors make this one of the nation's largest.
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The Main Hangar and T-Hangars are full
of additional fascinating, educational displays of memorabilia, military
equipment, models, art, books and more. |
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A variety of food vendors are on hand to
slake your thirst and satisfy your appetite.
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Are your dogs tired? Take a load
off at one of our shade tents.
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Again this year, the Andrews Sister
style trio "Ladies
for Liberty" will have you swinging.
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Watch President Roosevelt arrive
in his 1936 Ford Phaeton with First Lady Eleanor and his Secret Service
driver. If you stay for the evening dance you'll hear FDR deliver
the stirring "Day of Infamy" declaration of war speech. |
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Award-winning entertainer
Lynn
"Win" Roberts will be performing this year as Bob Hope in
the "Bob Hope Road Show" with guest stars, including Jack Benny,
Red Skelton, Jimmy Durante, Crazy Guggenheim, W.C. Fields, and Benny
Goodman. Each show is a visit to a 1940's broadcast on
NBC, complete with Chuck Carson as the on-stage announcer. Every
show will be different, so ask your C.O. for a
three-day pass
and catch all of them! |
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Who's On First? The hilarious
Ultimate Abbott and Costello
Tribute Show. Bill Riley as Bud Abbot, Joe Ziegler as Lou Costello,
and Jason Crutchley as Scoop Fields, will have you rolling in the
aisles. |
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Visit the O-Club where you can enjoy coffee and donuts in the morning, or sip a Coke
while listening to the fabulous vocal styling of
Theresa Eaman.
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Join the audience
for a live radio broadcast drama at the recreated studio of station "WRDG". |
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Enjoy the fabulous ‘40’s Big Band
concerts and dances Friday & Saturday evening, 7PM - 10PM. Friday you'll
swing to the "Let's Dance" big band, appearing ala Artie Shaw's USN Big
Band. On Saturday the Glenn Miller, USAAF style "Swing Fever" band will set
your feet to tapping. See this NOTE for information on admission to attend the dance and/or evening meals, only.
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Don't be surprised if the swinging
sounds make you feel like cutting a rug, yourself!
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We can't draft you, but we can try to
recruit you! Take advantage of a show discount and become a member
of the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. Next year you can get a free
one-day WWII Weekend ticket, or even volunteer to work at the show, if
you wish.
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Need some quick cash? We got you
covered - just stand under the awning and punch in your PIN.
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Arrive early Sunday to attend the battlefield Church service conducted on the hood of a jeep at 9AM. Sunday is a carbon copy of the Saturday show, ending at 5:00 PM.
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While the hangar is cleared for the big dance, enjoy the Friday
evening roast beef dinner and Saturday evening chicken BBQ meal.
Advance tickets required |
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is much, much more to show and tell about World War II Weekend.
Explore the rest of the WWII
Weekend Web and then
order your advance
tickets, because we can promise you one thing: you'll have an
unforgettable experience as you go back in time with us to learn about,
and from, the brave men and women who lived it. |
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