Wings Over Dallas This Weekend!

Veterans Day is not too far away, and if you have veterans in your life who you’d like to honor, but are struggling to find an activity that celebrates their contribution in a family-friendly setting, check out Wings Over Dallas on October 6-8. This weekend, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) will return to the Dallas Executive Airport to showcase their fleet of World War II aircraft. Both professional pilots and spectators will marvel at the beauty and power of these flying machines.

Where the CAF started it all…

The CAF began with a group of veteran pilots and a single plane in the Rio Grande Valley in 1957. After pooling their money together, the group was able to purchase a single-seat WWII fighter plane known as a P-51 Mustang. Like all good hobbies, one plane turned into several planes, and the desire to maintain the P-51 Mustang for pleasure evolved into a larger calling. These men were determined to tackle a mission no one else was: save every aircraft that flew during WWII. By the end of WWII there were over 300,000 aircraft flying missions around the world. However, this group of men quickly discovered that almost by 15 years post-war, most of the aircraft were gone after being sold off for scrap metal and parts.

The CAF remained undaunted. Their fleet soon grew to nine and they purchased museum space to house and show off the aircraft. Nearly half a century later, the Commemorative Air Force has more than 165 aircraft and stands 13,000 members strong, representing 28 countries and every state in the United States. These men and women united together through their love of restoring historical aircrafts and accomplished a preservation effort beyond anything undertaken, even by the Army or Navy.

Wings Over Dallas—take two

After the inaugural Wings Over Dallas event 2016 that drew more than 19,000 visitors, this year’s event is expected to exceed the popularity of last year by several times. At the event, spectators can watch flying demonstrations and battle reenactments with the CAF’s fleet of heavy bombers and fighters. This year will feature a 75th anniversary commemoration of the Doolittle Raid as well, a counterattack on Japan after Pearl Harbor. In attendance will be the last surviving Doolittle Rider, Dick Cole.

In addition to the aerial acrobatics, you will have the opportunity to interact with WWII veterans and participate in living history reenactments. There will also be family-friendly activities, cockpit tours and military vehicles to explore. The CAF encourages all members of the family to experience history firsthand by climbing into tiny cockpits or marveling at the size of bombers. Getting up close and personal is the best way to ignite a passion for history, even in the littlest of learners.

For the thrill seeker, hop into the cockpit for a once-in-a-lifetime ride in a historic WWII plane. From bombers, to training planes, to open cockpit biplanes, the Commemorative Air Force will have more than a half dozen aircraft to choose from. In addition, flights on these planes are a trip down memory lane for many veterans. The Commemorative Air Force has a program to allow veterans the opportunity to get back in the air. Make sure to ask about it when you visit Wings Over Dallas.

The Commemorative Air Force is sure to create a history buff out of all attendees. For an opportunity that is geared for those of all generations, don’t miss Wings Over Dallas this weekend, October 6-8!