Spy Plane Was Shot Down 52 Years Ago Tuesday

the son of Francis Gary Powers will talk about the 1960 U-2 incident in which his father was shot down over the former Soviet Union while working for the CIA. The talk is scheduled for Wednesday morning at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA.

"The U-2 Incident: A Son's Perspective by Gary Powers Jr." will be at 2 p.m. in the Reid Conference Center. Powers will discuss what it was like growing up in the shadow of a famous father, and his efforts to honor Cold War veterans and preserve Cold War history. Tuesday, May 1 marked the 52nd anniversary of the incident.

Powers will host a similar presentation for the general public at the Virginia Air & Space Center in downtown Hampton Wednesday at 1930 EDT. This Sigma Series event is free and no reservations are required. Powers will also discuss the misinformation that still circulates regarding the incident including a NASA cover story and recently declassified files.

Born in Burbank, CA. in 1965, Powers has spent most of his life in public service and nonprofit management including working with boards of directors, chambers of commerce, teachers, students, volunteers, members of Congress, members of the Virginia General Assembly, and a variety of national, regional, and local business, nonprofit, and community leaders.

He previously testified before the Congressional House Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands and the General Laws Committee of the Virginia General Assembly. In October 2010, the Virginia General Assembly presented him with a proclamation for his work to establish The Cold War Museum in Fauquier County, VA. (USAF photo)

FMI: http://shemesh.larc.nasa.gov/Lectures/