Their appearance is part of a seven-city tour of historic planes from the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) to introduce the 10-site World War II Heritage Trail. The private, nonprofit trail highlights cities in the state that played significant roles in the war.
“People will have a chance to see these historic aircraft up close and even go on rides,” says Chris Madrid, development officer for CAF Airbase Georgia in Peachtree City. “The tour is set up with World War II Heritage Trail partners and other communities to call attention to Georgia’s contributions to the war, and it’s an amazing opportunity to relive history.”
Organized by the CAF, the seven stops will feature cockpit toursandridesinthesefullyoperational,restoredaircraft,along with other on-site activities.
Four of the multi-day events are being conducted in part- nership with trail sites; three are taking place in other key cities to spread the word about the significance of the trail.
The aircraft are being provided by two CAF units that tour nationally, the AirPower Tour and Texas Raiders. Tours of the aircraft and rides will be available at each location.
The tour stops include:
• May4-8,ColumbusAirport,Colum- bus. (850) 449-5318. airpowertour.org. Partner organization: National Infantry Museum, Columbus.
• May18-22,BrunswickGoldenIsles Airport, Brunswick. (850) 449-5318. airpowertour.org.
• May 20-22, Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Macon. (855) 359-2217. b17texasraiders.org. Partner organi- zation: Museum of Aviation, Warner Robins.
• May25-28,AugustaRegionalatBush Field Airport, Augusta. (850) 449-5318. airpowertour.org.
• May26-30,Savannah/HiltonHead International Airport, Savannah. (855) 359-2217. b17texasraiders.org. Partner organization: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Pooler.
• May31-June2,DouglasMunicipal Gene Chambers Airport, Douglas; (855) 359-2217. b17texasraiders.org. Partner organization: World War II Flight Training Museum, Douglas. • June3-5,CobbCountyWarbirdExpo,CobbCountyInterna- tional Airport, Kennesaw. (855) 359-2217. b17texasraiders.org.
For more information about Georgia’s World War II Heritage Trail, visit georgiawwiitrail.org.