Heroism, History Saluted as Tora! Tora! Tora! Re-enactment Returns to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (March 28, 2013) — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will remember the heroism and history involved in the beginnings of World War II, as the “Tora! Tora! Tora!” aerial re-enactment of the events of December 7, 1941, returns to Wittman Regional Airport during this year’s Experimental Aircraft Association convention and fly-in.
These dynamic and poignant air show performances will be part of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh afternoon warbird shows on August 2-3, including during the annual Salute to Veterans Day on Friday, August 2. The 61st annual EAA AirVenture fly-in convention – “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” – will take place July 29-August 4 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
“Tora! Tora! Tora!” is a re-creation of the attack on Pearl Harbor, staged with the volunteers and aircraft of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) that include ground operations by the EAA Warbirds of America Living History Group, maintenance, pilots and pyrotechnic experts. Its purpose is to create a dynamic history lesson about the events that propelled the United States into World War II. On Saturday, August 3, EAA’s own B-17 bomber, Aluminum Overcast, will also participate in the show. The “Tora! Tora! Tora!” performances are part of a weeklong schedule of the world’s finest air show performers, in all-star displays presented by Rockwell Collins that can be seen only in Oshkosh.
“The incredible flying and pyrotechnics in the ‘Tora! Tora! Tora!’ performance reinforces the story behind the events of December 1941 that forever changed the course of world history,” said Jim DiMatteo, EAA’s vice president of AirVenture features and attractions. “It is important for us, even more than 70 years later, to not only remember these specific events but also the heroism and determination that grew from the ‘Day of Infamy.’”
The “Tora! Tora! Tora!” air show originally began in 1972 following release of the movie by the same name. It is not intended to glorify war, but rather help those born after World War II better understand that war does not discriminate in the pain it inflicts on people of both sides. The CAF has worked with U.S. and Japanese veterans to ensure an accurate and realistic portrayal of the events at Pearl Harbor. The show has been continually improved over the past four decades and received some of the most prestigious awards bestowed on air show performers, including the Art Scholl Award for Showmanship from the International Council of Air Shows.
The “Tora! Tora! Tora!” performances and all air show activities are included with AirVenture admission. Advance tickets, camping and other AirVenture items can be purchased at www.airventure.org.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.
