Reading, PA — The Mid Atlantic Air Museum (MAAM) held its 25th Annual WWII Weekend this past weekend. The show was its usual mix of WWII aircraft, vehicles, guest speakers and WWII reenactors.

The show featured a mix of CAF aircraft (most of which were offering ride), some of the American Airpower Museum‘s fine collection of warbirds, Tom Duffy’s B-25 “Take Off Time”, the Yankee Air Museum‘s B-17G “Yankee Lady, and C-47 and others.

Yankee Air Force's B-17G "Yankee Lady"
The Yankee Air Force’s B-17G “Yankee Lady” taxiing in front of the crowd

Of course MAAM had their P-61″Black Widow” restoration project on display which appears to be tantalizing close to completion. The airshow is the main fundraising event for the museum’s operation costs as well as a way for them to generate additional income for the Black Window’s restoration in the form of donations and souvenir sales.

MAAM's P-61 Black Widow restoration progress
MAAM’s P-61 Black Widow restoration progress on display

The weather for this year’s even t couldn’t have been better from a spectators point of view as the temperature was pleasant with a cool breeze. Clouds prevailed in the morning sky but started opening up around 1:00pm.

Stearmans and N3N-3 "Yellow Peril"
Stearmans and N3N-3 “Yellow Peril” on display at MAAM’s WWII Weekend

Saturday’s flying events seemed to have been affected by the strong crosswinds as the airshow performers and the CAF ride aircraft switched to taking off from runway 36 when the winds picked up.

AT-6/SNJ "Texans"
A flight of AT-6/SNJs fly past the crowd in Reading

Opening the show was the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation‘s C-54 “Spirit of Freedom” taxiing to air show center where Gen. Douglas MacArthur get’s a brief update on the war from theatre commanders Gen. “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell and Admiral William Halsey as well as a brief chat with Lieutenant John F. Kennedy.

Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation's C-54 "Spirit of Freedom" taxiing to air show center  while the CAF's B-29 "FIFI" departs with passengers
Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation’s C-54 “Spirit of Freedom” taxiing to air show center while the CAF’s B-29 “FIFI” departs with passengers

Next out was President Franklin D. Roosevelt with his announcement that he is running for a third term as president of the United States.

As always this must see show allows visitors the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in many aspects of WWII history.

[slickr-flickr tag=”2015 Mid Atlantic Air Museum WWII Weekend” items=36″ type=”gallery”]

 

 

Mid Atlantic Air Museum hosts 25th Annual WWII Weekend

Leave a Reply