EAA to Celebrate Apollo Program’s 50th Anniversary

January 31, 2017 - Astronauts from most of the Apollo missions that put humans on the moon for the first time are expected to be at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo program.

The reunion is expected to be the largest gathering of Apollo astronauts at Oshkosh since the memorable 1994 Salute to Apollo program that brought together 15 of the men who were the faces of the American effort to put men on the moon. Many of the activities will be centered on the event’s Apollo Day on Friday, July 28, which is highlighted by a major evening program at Theater in the Woods.

“This will be a rare, unforgettable gathering of the people who met the challenge of flying to the moon and safely returning, representing hundreds of thousands of individuals who contributed to its success,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member benefits. “You may never get another opportunity to see these people in person and up close, as you will at Oshkosh this summer.”

Those who have already confirmed their attendance include Frank Borman (Apollo 8), Walt Cunningham (Apollo 7), Fred Haise (Apollo 13), Jim Lovell (Apollo 8 and Apollo 13), and Al Worden (Apollo 15). Additional astronauts are expected to confirm their attendance in the coming weeks, and further details on events and schedules will be announced as they are finalized.