Had the pleasure of getting over to the National Museum of the USAF (or as we refer to it locally, WPAFB Museum) today for the public reveal of the recently restored Memphis Belle B-17 bomber. Today's date was the 75th Anniversary of the bomber's last and 25th successful mission in Europe. After the completed mission, the Belle and crew returned stateside for a publicity and war bond tour. The plane sat idle for almost 50 years in the city of Memphis before being acquired by the WPAFB Museum where the restoration started 12-13 years ago.
I was able to chat with a few WWII veterans, shake their hands and generally revel in the energy of the day. The organizers did an incredible job with the entire day. Besides all of that, I came home with a textbook quality hardbound book "Memphis Belle, Dispelling The Myth" personally signed by the authors (who were there as part of the celebration).
Memphis Belle Unveiling Ceremony: Memphis Belle Unveiling
The museum is free admission and is amazing; check out the details here. WPAFB Museum
I was able to chat with a few WWII veterans, shake their hands and generally revel in the energy of the day. The organizers did an incredible job with the entire day. Besides all of that, I came home with a textbook quality hardbound book "Memphis Belle, Dispelling The Myth" personally signed by the authors (who were there as part of the celebration).
Memphis Belle Unveiling Ceremony: Memphis Belle Unveiling
The museum is free admission and is amazing; check out the details here. WPAFB Museum