Warbird Alley Dedicated As AirVenture Begins

By Dan Billingsley

Monday, July 26th kicked off the "Salute To Veterans" theme at OshKosh's AirVenture, and Scotts Warbird Alley was where many people gathered at 1430 to see the dedication of the area at Wittman Field take place. It was evident that a lot of hard work and planning went into making this area a very special place to visit. With a backdrop of P-51's, Tom Poberezny took the stage to thank everyone for their efforts.

The Warbird Alley improvements were made possible partnering with Scotts Miracle-Gro, which donated approximately $500,000. The President and CEO of Scotts, Jim Hagedorn, is a longtime friend of aviation, a graduate of Embry-Riddle, and an F-16 fighter pilot, He says he's "fortunate to now own the P-51 Old Crow".
 

P51 Old Crow

  
In attendance were Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano and Congressman Sam Graves. Napolitano recognized all of the brave men and women (of every branch of service) who have served and are currently serving their country, saying this monument is a great tribute to them. Graves presented the flag to the color guard who then posted the colors in Scotts Circle of Honor.

(L-R) Secretary Napolitano, Congressman Graves

Bill Fischer, EAA Warbirds of America Director summed it up nicely when he said "Salute to Veterans is a way for EAA members to say thank you to all those who have served and to remember those who never came home."

FMI: www.eaa.org