CAF Red Tail Squadron Inspiring New Orleans Students, Public Day on May 25

On Wednesday, May 22, Rise Above, a traveling exhibition sponsored by the CAF Red Tail Squadron rolled into the New Orleans Lakefront Airport to begin four days of inspirational and historical lessons for local students and the general public.

The main attraction is a 30-minute film that uses the story of the Tuskegee Airmen to inspire young people to “Aim High, Believe in Yourself, Use Your Brain, and Never Quit.” It also details the story of the restoration of an original P-51C Mustang. Groups from local schools like Dibert Community School, The Academy of the Sacred Heart, and Samuel Green Charter School have been able to learn how the Tuskegee Airmen overcame numerous obstacles to fly in combat missions during World War II and earn 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses.

The National WWII Museum’s own Red Ball Express mobile outreach program is on-site at the Lakefront Airport with WWII artifacts, uniform reproductions and children’s activities. Students have the opportunity to wear reproductions of the gear of a Tuskegee Airmen or Rosie the Riveter and pose with a backdrop of iconic propaganda posters.

Vehicles on-site include a fully restored, flight-ready P-51C Mustang and a 1941 GMC CCKW truck. These vehicles honor the service of African Americans both in combat roles and in the vital supply chains such as the Red Ball Express that kept the Allied armies moving forward.

The event is FREE to the public on Saturday, May 25 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. New Orleans Lakefront Airport is located at 6001 Stars and Stripes Boulevard.

The Lakefront Airport Rise Above event is sponsored by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) of Midland, Texas and The National WWII Museum, and is presented locally by Flightline First.

Memorial Day at The National WWII Museum

This Memorial Day, we highlight the artifacts, images and stories in our Collection that honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in one of the world’s darkest hours. Visit www.mymemorialday.org for more information.

Monday, May 27, 2013

9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Special Exhibit – Remember Them: Memorial Day Stories from the Collection of The National WWII Museum

10:00 am
Marine Corps Band
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion

10:30 am
Memorial Day Ceremony
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Presentation — “From Their Fathers: Children of POWs Share Stories and Artifacts”
Stage Door Canteen

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm
The National WWII Museum’s Victory Belles
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion

3:00 pm
Memorial Day National Moment of Silence & Bell Ringing Ceremony
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion