Warbirds over Heber City! Congressman Chris Stewart Commemorates D-Day Anniversary
May 20, 2019, HEBER CITY, Utah.- Congressman Chris Stewart, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, will participate in a day of remembrance at a D-Day B-17 event sponsored by the Utah Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Museum, June 3-10, 2019. The event takes place at the Heber City Airport.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the main Allied invasion of continental Europe, which allowed the Allies to defeat Germany. Representative Stewart will speak to the importance of this event at a veteran’s memorial service June 6 at noon. Additional speakers include Col. Jon A. Eberlan, 75th Hill Air Force Base Wing Commander and Mayor Potter of Heber City. World War II veterans Nell Bright, a Women Air Force Service Pilot (WASP) and Ray Brim who flew 25 B-17 missions will attend the service. All veterans and their families are invited to attend.
Dubbed the “Flying Fortress” by World War II airmen, the B-17 Sentimental Journey will land at the Heber City Airport at noon on June 3 and will be available for tours and rides June 3-9, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. daily. She departs at 9:00 a.m. on June 10.
This iconic plane stands as a witness to those who sacrificed all in the defense of freedom. It is considered by many to be the most recognized aircraft of World War II and there can be no question that it helped win the war. The B-17 boasted a heavy defense of thirteen .50 caliber Browning machine guns and it could carry a bomb load of 8,000 pounds. Today, approximately 39 of these aircraft exist worldwide; only about ten are still flying.
BOOK YOUR B-17 RIDE – azcaf.org or (480) 462-2992.
The Utah Wing of the CAF is hosting this event to honor the heroes who fought in World War II and those on the home front who produced the tanks, ships and aircraft that enabled the United States and its Allies to achieve victory. The Utah Wing maintains a World War II aviation museum at the Heber City airport including two 1941 Stearman bi-planes and two North American Aviation T-6 Texans. These World War II trainer aircraft are in full flying condition and will be part of the B-17 event.
BOOK YOUR STEARMAN OR T-6 RIDE -- cafutahwing.org or (801) 719-8876 Event Highlights
June 3– B-17 bomber arrives Heber City Airport, noon
June 3-9 • North American T-6 Texan rides • Stearman bi-plane rides • B-17 tours (June 3-6) and rides (June 7-9)
June 6 -- D-Day Commemoration – A Day of Remembrance • Honor flights and rides • World War II Veteran Memorial (noon) • Danny Newell Swing Music (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) • Cucina Rustico Pizza Food Truck • World War II re-enactment and museum tours • Kids activities • Wasatch County Fire Truck • D-Day video program
June 8 Pancake breakfast – 8am-10 a.m. -- $8 adults; $3 seniors; kids and World War II vets free.
Annual 1940s Swing Dance Party -- 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Danny Newell Tribute Band. Swing Dance lessons and demonstrations. Cucina Rustico Pizza food truck. Period costumes encouraged. $15 adults, $25 couples, World War II veterans and kids free.
Preferred lodging rates for this event -- Heber City Holiday Inn Express (435) 654-9990.
For more information about this and future events visit cafutahwing.org or (435) 709-7269.
Sponsors: Redmond Real Salt, Lees Market, Ridley’s Market, Smiths, Brian Lee Farmers Insurance, Signarama, Zions Bank, Ackerson Eye Care, Walmart, Grand Valley Bank, Heber City Corporation, Diversify, UAMPS, Tracer Barricades, Wasatch Wave, Walgreens, Point S Tire, Midway Mercantile Restaurant, The Corner Restaurant, Utah Warbird Adventures, Grandview Dental, HydroLOGICA, Highland Golf Carts, Wasatch Property Management, Mark Miller Toyota, Holiday Inn Express, Karl Malone Polaris, OK3Air
