Warbird Returns To Their Roots For 60th Anniversary Of WWII Victory

To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the end of WWII, June 2005 will see nine Chance Vought F4U Corsairs return home to Connecticut for the Veterans Salute, a celebration honoring the men and woman who worked on the home front and served in the military during WWII.

Designed and built entirely in Connecticut, powered by a Pratt and Whitney engine and Hamilton Standard Propeller, the Corsair represents the people and manufacturers who created the Constitution State's mighty "Arsenal of Democracy" during WWII. "The Corsair is Connecticut and it's people", stated Jerry O'Neill, Display Coordinator, "and we've put together an amazing program never before attempted outside of Hollywood!"

Visitors will be transported to back to Bridgeport during the height of WWII. Unique "set-pieces" will be arranged throughout the weekend including a recreation of the Chance Vought Corsair Factory, complete with aircraft parts, engines, props, shop equipment, "Rosie the Riveter's" and real Corsairs. A "War Bond Rally" and a factory "Test Flight" are also planned. Other displays include WWII aircraft, military vehicles and historical re-enactors.

(Photos by: Philip Makanna/Ghosts)

FMI: www.veteranssalute.com, airdales@cox.net