Victory was on the march sixty-four years ago in the Summer of 1945. Four years of the most intense warfare the world had ever know had passed and the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who fought so bravely during World War II had faith that they would be home for Christmas in 1945. VE day had just been declared and VJ day would follow only a few months later.

In the sixty years that have passed, memories have faded and our brave veterans leave us at an alarming rate. Despite this, the legacy of their service and sacrifices still remains as American's freedom shines brightly; a heritage of their valor.

By the estimate of the Veterans Affairs Department, over 1000 WWII veterans are lost each day. It is critical to preserve the memory of our veterans and educate future generations about this heritage. The Collings Foundation is proud to sponsor the Wings of Freedom Tour to honor our WWII veterans nationwide in 2009.

The Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour brings four of the most important aircraft of WWII: the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress "Nine-o-Nine", Consolidated B-24J Liberator "Witchcraft" and North American TP-51C Mustang "Betty Jane" come to Valparaiso, IN at the Porter County Municipal Airport for a display at the Terminal Building from Monday, July 27 through Wednesday, July 29. Restored to exacting 1944 condition, they fly to over 110 cities nationwide for display and to offer flights for people interested in reliving history through a hands-on experience.

Over 12,000 B-17's were built during WWII to serve as daylight heavy strategic bombers; there are only eight currently flying. The B-24 was the most produced aircraft of WWII with over 18,000 built; ours survives as the sole example flying. The dual-control P-51C is the only example flying in the world. The opportunity to see these aircraft fully restored and flying is rare indeed!

During the display visitors will be able to tour the aircraft for a small donation and see what it was like to be a crewman aboard during World War II. All positions aboard the aircraft are accurately restored with the original instruments, gun positions, and equipment. The Collings Foundation encourages veterans and families to visit and recount their experiences during World War II to assembled visitors. The Foundation requests a donation of $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children to tour through the aircraft. All donations help support the maintenance of the aircraft, which cost nearly $4,000 per flight hour per aircraft.

Visitors also may take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly an actual mission aboard the B-17, B-24 and P-51. Flight experiences allow visitors to enjoy the ultimate in hands-on learning. Flights are 30 minutes in duration and are a tax-deductible donation of $425 per person on the B-17 or B-24. P-51 flights are $2,200 for 30 minutes and $3,200 for 1 hour. Interested visitors should call 800-568-8924 for reservations. Reservations are highly recommended.

The display will take place at Porter County Municipal Airport at the Terminal Building from 12:00 PM through 5:00 PM on Monday, July 27; 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM on Tuesday, July 28; and 10:00 AM through 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 29.

The Wings of Freedom Tour visits over 110 cities nationwide over a tour season spanning 10 months. The tour was established as a living history exhibit to promote awareness of World War II history and to honor the veterans who fought for freedom during it.

The Collings Foundation is a non-profit educational foundation founded in 1979 and based in Stow, MA. It was created to promote learning and education through interactive methods using a hands-on approach. The Collings Foundation is active in operation and restoration of over 22 historic aircraft and a large collection of other historic vehicles supporting transportation technology education. For more information, please visit:http://www.collingsfoundation.org.

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