EAA will pay tribute to the heroes and sacrifices made during the Normandy landings on D-Day (June 6, 1944), and throughout the year 1944, with an 80-year “Turning the Tide” commemoration at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 on July 23-24.
“As the number of veterans from WWII who are still with us are dwindling, it is important to commemorate the events of 1944, and the importance of the campaigns in both Europe and the Pacific to preserve freedom,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This year’s programming during AirVenture week will connect the human events and aviation history of that year so those of us today have a better understanding of those times.”
A collection of C-47s from the D-Day Squadron will be on display as part of the commemoration. The Squadron features a fleet of unique C-47 aircraft from throughout the United States. Many of these aircraft will be part of a commemorative mission to Europe in May and June 2024. The C-47 played a vital role in transporting more than 13,000 paratroopers to Utah Beach for the Normandy landings. Afternoon air shows on July 23-24 will feature warbirds from both the Pacific and European theaters, including the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team. The team will be jumping from their own C-47 using traditional round canopy parachutes, reminiscent of the paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who risked their lives in Normandy.
The Theater in the Woods presentation on the evening of Tuesday, July 23, will focus on 1944 as well. The presentation will be split into two parts: the first will retell the story of 1944, while the second part will go into detail about the aircraft. More details about the presentation, including guests, will be announced as they are finalized.
Additional aircraft that played key roles in 1944 have also been invited to participate, and EAA and EAA Warbirds of America continue to plan activities as part of the commemoration.
