The Second World War ended in 1945, however Allied and Axis troops will once again battle for Europe when reenactors recreate a WWII skirmish at Falcon Field in Peachtree City during the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing “WWII Day: Boots, Wheels and Wings” on April 22.

“Our WWII Day Skirmish will add an exciting element to the day,” said Jake Tryon, wing leader  “complete with American and German troops, simulated gunfire and a memorial service. WWII Day is a tribute to all of America’s veterans, but we especially want to take time to remember the service and sacrifice of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ the men and women who served during WWII.” Spectators should be prepared for loud noise created by vehicles and blanks.

WWII Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Historical Airpower Facility at Falcon Field, and will bring together reenactors, vehicles, vintage aircrafts and exhibits from several states as a living history experience for the entire family. Over 25 organizations are scheduled to participate in WWII Day including the American Legion Post 59, Atlanta History Center, Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance, Korea War Veterans Association, Mighty Eighth Museum, National Association of Rosie the Riveters, US Army Signal Corps Museum and the Tuskegee Airmen International.

Attendees will have the opportunity to fly back in time by purchasing a ride in a vintage aircraft, including Red Nose, the CAF Dixie Wing North American P-51 Mustang. “The Mustang is one of the most famous airplanes of World War II,” said Liz Porter, Education Outreach Coordinator for Air Acres Museum. “Having a chance to fly in one is a dream of a lifetime.” The P-51 Mustang was a long-range fighter flown by Chuck Yeager and the Tuskegee Airmen, gaining fame in aerial battles over Europe against the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force.

“WWII Day is the cornerstone of ‘Education Through Living History,’ our WWII history program that we created for schools and youth groups,” said Mark Baldwin, Historical Airpower Facility Museum Curator, “the day’s program will allow families to meet WWII veterans, as well as see vehicles and equipment used by the common soldier.” Over 6,000 school age children, family members, educators and youth group leaders have participated in the program since it was launched in 2003.

Educational presentations will be made throughout the day, covering topics such the early days of WWII, the attack on Pearl Harbor and the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. Living history interpretations will be provided by the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (reenacted) and the Southern Wing of the Airmen Preservation Society. The CAF Dixie Wing Oral History program will also be available to family members who would like to record their veteran’s experiences. Breakfast and lunch will be available at an army mess tent and the day will conclude with “Keep ‘em Flying,” a World War II-style hangar dance.

“Keep ‘em Flying” was inspired by the hangar dances common on army, air force and navy bases during WWII. The Peachtree Jazz Edition will play big band hits by Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, while the Philco Radio Players perform live recreations of the classics of the Golden Age of Radio. Other activities include dance lessons, a swing dance contest judged by Rachel Ferguson and local dance instructors, a “best 1940’s costume” contest and souvenir photos.

The 2005 edition of the annual swing dance was instrumental in the repair of “The Lady in Blue,” the rare SBD Dauntless dive-bomber flown by the CAF Dixie Wing. “Our SBD was grounded last year because we needed a new engine,” said Tryon, “so we decided to rename our dance to reflect our mission, which is to restore and fly World War II airplanes as a tribute to America’s veterans.” The “Lady in Blue,” originally restored using blueprints provided by the Smithsonian Institute, returned to the air in May 2005 and is one of only three SBDs flying in the United States.

“WWII Day: Boots, Wheels and Wings” is an annual program that promotes historic preservation, education and citizenship. The CAF Dixie Wing is a non-profit education organization that relies on donations and fundraisers to restore WWII aircraft and teach WWII history.

Suggested donations for WWII Day are $5 per person, children 12 and under are admitted free.  The public is also asked to bring a canned food item to be donated to the Fayette Samaritans food pantry. WWII Day will be held rain or shine. Pets are not permitted. Tickets for “Keep ‘em Flying” are $30. Reserved tables are also available for $300. Dance contest entry fee is $20 per couple. For more information about the “WWII Day: Boots, Wheels and Wings” and “Keep ‘em Flying,” please visit www.dixiewing.org or call 678-364-1110.

The Commemorative Air Force is a non-profit organization dedicated to flying and restoring World War II aircraft. Based in Midland, Texas, the organization has over 9,500 members and operates a fleet of over 150 World War II aircraft.  Visit www.commemorativeairforce.org for more information.

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