World War II Veterans Gather at Fantasy of Flight to Share Remembrances of D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy May 11-12
Attraction Honors All Active Duty, Retired and Reserve Military with Free Admission May 1-31 and Celebrates Moms with Free Admission Mother's Day Weekend, May 10-13, when Accompanied by a Paid Guest.
POLK CITY, Fla. (May 7, 2012) - World War II has been the subject of countless books and movies, but few people have had the opportunity to hear what it was truly like from the men who fought in the trenches. On Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12, Fantasy of Flight presents part four of its 2012 Legends & Legacies Symposium Series, "D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy."
For two days, WWII veterans who fought in Normandy, France on that historic day, June 6, 1944, will gather at Fantasy of Flight to share their personal stories of strength, survival and patriotism. The D-Day veterans will interact with guests in open forum/question-and-answer sessions, followed by meet-and-greet/autograph signing sessions. D-Day panelists include Major Clifford Kantz, Winter Park, Fla., Sgt. Harold Heil, Tampa, Fla., PFC Paul Rancicot, Winter Haven, Fla., Lt. Hope Kirkendall, Lakeland, Fla., and from Polk County, Fla. -- Sgt. Teddy Fisk, Sgt. Bob Franklin and Sgt. Virgil Myers.
Throughout May, in celebration of National Military Appreciation Month, Fantasy of Flight will honor the brave individuals of the armed forces by extending free admission to all active-duty, retired and reserve military. Admission to the Legends & Legacies Symposium "D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy" May 11-12 is included in this special offer. Guests must present a current ID to qualify for the general admission ticket. This offer is not valid with any other offers or discounts.
As the D-Day Legends & Legacies Symposium takes place over Mother's Day weekend, Fantasy of Flight is also offering free admission to all mothers when accompanied by a paying guest. Any paid youth, senior or adult admission ticket qualifies as the accompanying paid admission. This offer is valid Thursday, May 10 through Sunday, May 13, 2012 and is not valid with any other offers or discounts.
Known as the largest military invasion in world history, the Normandy Invasion came overnight with parachute and glider landings, naval bombardments, massive air attacks and amphibious beachfront assaults. Months in the making, it required the coordination of thousands of Allied Forces and was an operation so mammoth that once set in motion, there was no turning back.
Fantasy of Flight is one of the only attractions in the country to play host to legendary WWII and Vietnam War heroes as they share their compelling personal accounts, as well as their family members and descendants, who are able to offer their own unique perspectives. The series also includes heroes from WWII who served on the ground protecting and supporting the men in flight.
"What better way to learn about one of the most historically significant battles in world history than from the men who were actually there," said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight. "We are honored to be able to provide this living history forum to make sure these valuable lessons and stories will continue to be told for generations to come."
Upcoming events in the 2012 Legends & Legacies Symposium Series include: "Reflections of Vietnam," June 8-9 and "Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival," Oct. 12-13. Fantasy of Flight welcomes inquiries from all those who may be interested in participating in the symposium series.
The series events are included in the price of Fantasy of Flight general admission of $28.95 plus tax for adults, $14.95 plus tax for youth (age 6-12) and five and under are free with full paying adult. The symposiums are free for all Annual Pass holders. Group rates are available. Call 863-984-3500 or go to www.fantasyofflight.com for more information.
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Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida's premier aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world's largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and the country's only Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane. General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen - They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) - A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year.
New at Fantasy of Flight this year is Wing WalkAir, a thrilling outdoor attraction featuring a 600-foot zip line suspended four stories above water and a three-level ropes course complete with 33 midair challenges to be performed while tethered to an overhead line at heights of up to 45 feet. Ideal for families, couples, student/youth groups or corporate groups seeking teambuilding opportunities, Wing WalkAir is the first attraction of its kind in Polk County, located midway between Tampa and Orlando. Admission is $22 for the zip line and ropes course or $15 for the zip line and $12 for the ropes course when purchased separately. Group rates are available. Fantasy of Flight admission is not required for entry to Wing WalkAir.
Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-12, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6-12, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright's Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides, are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.
Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.
