DELAND, FL – Following in the wake of its historic 70th anniversary event last November, the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum is back on the calendar with its second annual Armed Forces Day Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18.
The celebration is meant to commemorate the noble service of America’s men and women in uniform and to strengthen the bond between military personnel and the civilians they are sworn to defend.
This year promises to be bigger and better, as more groups are signing up to participate with military demos; vintage aircraft and ground vehicles; interaction with veterans from various eras; and yet another prize-winning “secret mission” for the kids.
A new special exhibit is in the works to show the evolution of pilots’ flight suits from the early days of aviation to the Viet Nam war, and guests will be able to see the newly constructed building that is going to house the WWII-era TBF Avenger, one of the museum’s exciting restoration projects. This building also will provide space for additional displays of equipment and memorabilia from later generations.
The open house will begin with the presentation of the colors outside the museum at 910 Biscayne Blvd in DeLand. Festivities will be divided between the museum and the nearby nnnex, located just outside the DeLand Airport at 1380 Flightline Blvd.
Refreshments will be available, and there are plans for an inter-service competition among the veterans in attendance. Valuable prizes will be awarded, not to mention bragging rights for the winning branch of the armed forces.
NAS Museum hosts 2nd Annual Armed Forces Day Open House