Paul G. Allen’s Flying Heritage Collection to Host Special Memorial Day Forum Featuring Veterans and Military Experts May 25, 2009

Members of the community, World War II (WWII) bomber crew members and other war veterans will reunite on Memorial Day to pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country’s freedom. The special event at the Flying Heritage Collection will feature a panel of veterans and military experts discussing the pivotal role that WWII bomber crews played in the outcome of the war. During the forum, veterans will be honored at a ceremony led by the Flying Heritage Collection.

The event will feature WWII bomber crew members as they share their experiences. It will also include the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress which was crucial to the allied victory in WWII. The B-17 Flying Fortress was developed locally by Boeing, and the Flying Heritage Collection will display B-17 turrets for Memorial Day.

Following the special event, veteran tour guides will be available to highlight the fascinating and iconic war planes which ultimately influenced the course of history. Credentialed media are invited to the forum and will have an opportunity for one-on-one interviews with Flying Heritage Collection spokespeople and veterans.

The Flying Heritage Collection, founded by philanthropist Paul G. Allen, is one of the world’s great assemblies of rare World War II-era military aircraft. The Flying Heritage Collection's commitment to restoring its aircraft to authentic, flying condition sets it apart from all other aviation collections.

WHEN: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday May 25, 2009
• FHC spokespeople and veterans will be available for one-on-on press briefing at 12:00 p.m. following the event.

WHERE: Flying Heritage Collection, Paine Field, 3407 109th Street SW, Everett, WA 98204
• Free parking is available outside the hangar.

WHO: Ceremony speakers include:
• Cory Graff, Military Aviation Curator of the Flying Heritage Collection

Veteran speakers will be announced soon at www.flyingheritage.com.

COST: All veterans are welcomed at FHC for free on May 25, 2009.

Non-veteran admission rates: Adults: $12, Seniors: $10, Youths: (6-15) $8, Children: (5 and under) free, Groups: (15 or more) $10 per person.

WEB: Flying Heritage Collection (www.flyingheritage.com)

PHONE: 877.FHC.3404

Official Website: http://www.flyingheritage.com