ARTICLE
Wings of Freedom Tour Turns Back Time in Boca Raton BOCA RATON, FL – February 5, 2016 – The Boca Raton Airport was transported back in time recently as several World War II aircraft and veterans were on site during the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour, January 29th-31st. The multi-day event showcased the Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” heavy bomber, P-51 Mustang fighter and a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine" heavy bomber, which is one of only eight still flying in the United States. Some of the first visitors were Palm Beach and Broward County school students during a special event hosted by the Boca Raton Airport Authority on Friday, January 29th. Veterans at the event included Tuskegee Airman and Red Tail pilot Leo Gray, as well as Irwin Stovroff, Irving Appel, John Bury, Sid Katz, Don Rothfield, Lieutenant Colonel (ret) Bill Schwartz, Robert Wallace and Major General John Van Blois. Students toured the rare collection of WWII-era bombers and fighter aircrafts, while meeting and thanking the veterans that flew missions in them. Deputy Mayor Robert Weinroth presented a Proclamation by the City of Boca Raton on behalf of Mayor Susan Haynie, naming January 29th as Wings of Freedom Day. The Boca Raton Airport and Signature Flight Support hosted the event, extending their outreach as a vital partner with the local community. The event engaged the community, inspiring and educating students about the role of aviation in World War II. The Airport is looking forward to the return of the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour in 2017. For more information, contact Audra Vaz, Business and Public Affairs Manager, at (561) 391-2202, ext. 205.