And Other Museum Updates
The beginning of July marks the end of the first half of 2019. As we move into the second half of the year, we look back on a busy summer season for the Voices of Freedom and progress made to the museum as we continue to work towards building a permanent facility in Prince William County.
The summer event season kicked off for the Voices of Freedom in Virginia Beach at the annual Warbirds Over the Beach held May 17-19. This is the 3rd year the VOF has brought the mobile recording studio to the event and the first time without rain. Interviews were conducted and the mission of the museum and this years open house were promoted.Three weeks after Virginia Beach, the VOF was in Reading, PA for the Mid-Atlantic Air Museums World War II Weekend. This is a must attend event every year as thousands turn out to see vintage warbirds in flight, WWII reenactors from both the Allied and Axis Powers and the chance to meet Word War II veterans. When it was all said and done, the VOF conducted 15 interviews with veterans and civilians from WWII to the present day War on Terror. Without a doubt, the highlight of the weekend was our interview with 98 year old Pearl Harbor survivor William Bonelli. William is in great health and his memory of both the events of December 7th, 1941 and the years that followed which found him flying B-17’s out of Italy was remarkable.
Finally, the VOF participated in the Dale City Independence Day Parade to close out the first half of the year (First half plus 4). Always a good time with a great turnout, this year’s parade can be described in one word; hot!There are many other exciting projects being undertaken by the museum. Of note, the Super Sherman has received her new power plant and is nearing completion in time for this years open house.
Work continues to progress at the museums 70 acre site in Dale City. Extremely wet conditions over the last year hampered the scheduled work resulting in an 8 month delay. Dryer weather has dominated the first half of 2019 enabling work to return to a relatively normal pace.
As is with any project of this size, fundraising is a major challenge, however, progress is being made. Our vision to honor those who have served, both veterans and civilians, educate the public by telling stories of personal sacrifice of Americans striving to preserve freedom, and to inspire future generations, is unwavering.
As we move into the second half of 2019, we look forward too many upcoming events. Not the least of which is our annual Tank Farm Open House to be held September 7 – 8 in Nokesville. After having bad weather last year which forced us to cancel the second day, we are striving to make this year our best ever. 