Hi guys;
We haven't decided if we will have a symposium with the pilots yet. Our main goal was to get them there to meet the younger generation and to honor their service. Obviously, we understand the drawing power of such a line-up and they will be available throughout the weekend not only at the airport, but at a dance Saturday Night. We don't want to overwhelm them, but they know what happens at these events. Since it is a three day event, there will be various times when each pilot is scheduled for a stint in the autograph tent, but we want them to enjoy the display, so I don't anticipate them sitting for hours on end in the tent signing everything under the sun for three days straight. If they want to, that's fine, but we really just want them to be here and be able to talk to people.
As far as photographers and press passes, I would need information, credentials, and a small resume of past work. I know there will be a lot of interest and I want to make sure that we take care of everyone as fairly as possible. Obviously, local newspapers, and press with assignments from a bonified publication take precedence, but we are striving to be as press and photographer friendly as we can. Every effort is being made to design the displays so that from several particular angles, it will appear as though it's 1944 on the Vought ramp. Everything except the tower is still there from WWII, so we are working to keep the newer structures behind the crowd, out of the view of a careful photographer. I won't be able to stop an errant G-IV from taxing by, but I guarantee it will eventually leave the background!
If anyone has the need for press passes, e-mail me at:
airdales@cox.net
I'll put all requests before the committee and go from there.
Blue skies,
Jerry