Operation Bravo Zulu 75th D-Day Anniversary

Honor Flight Bluegrass “Operation Bravo Zulu” to Honor Veterans on 75th D-Day Anniversary Seventy-five years ago, on June 6, 1944, United States (US) forces led the Allied Nations in the largest amphibious invasion in history—Operation Overlord, known as D-Day. Over 73,000 U.S. soldiers and marines set in motion, the final phase of World War II (WWII), risking their lives to preserve and protect the freedoms we enjoy today in America. On June 6, 2019, in a very special and memorial event, Honor Flight Bluegrass will honor these American heroes who served in WWII with a celebration at Louisville Memorial Auditorium, an historic site that was built to commemorate those who fought in WWI. This special celebration “Operation Bravo Zulu” (Thanks for a job well done!), will feature honored guest, 95-year-old WWII Medal of Honor recipient, Hershel “Woody” Williams, who will join his fellow WWII Veterans on this historic day. He will lead the ceremony with 75 or more WWII Veterans and their families as we recognize and pay tribute to these members of the “Greatest Generation.” Included in the program are exhibits, the Ladies for Liberty singing troupe, the Don Krekel Orchestra and a special recognition of each WWII Veteran. The public is invited to join these Veterans and their families for the ceremony followed by a meet and greet. Emcees include Heather French Henry and Rachel Platt. Honor Flight Bluegrass is proud to host this event and expecting a celebration worthy of heroes. In addition to this D-Day event, Louisville Slugger Museum, Frazier History Museum, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, Kentucky Veterans Trust Fund, and the Commemorative Air Force would like to take the opportunity to thank our WWII Veterans. Please see additional events below:Wednesday, June 5, 2019 Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, 800 West Main Street, Louisville 9 am to 12 pm (Tours Set for 10 am, 11 am and 12 pm): All WWII Veterans and their families are admitted free. This tour includes: actual gunstock made by H & B during WWII on display, photographs showing gunstock production, and info on MLB players who served during WWII.Frazier History Museum, 829 West Main Street, Louisville 12 pm to 1 pm: Free snacks & drinks served to WWII Veterans & their families at the Gateway Garden 1 pm to 4 pm: Meet and Greet and museum tours. Free to WWII Veterans and their families 2 pm to 3 pm: Panel discussion with WWII VeteransLouisville Slugger Field for Bats Game, WWII Veteran Gratitude Night 401 East Main Street, Louisville 5:30 pm: Doors open. Please enter front doors of ballpark on Main Street side. Free game tickets will be available for WWII Veterans and their families. 6:15 pm: WWII Veterans will be instructed where to gather for introductions on the field prior to the game. 6:45 pm: WWII Veterans will be introduced, with one of them throwing out the first pitch. ________________________________________________________________________________Thursday, June 6, 2019 Louisville Memorial Auditorium, 940 South 4th Street, D-Day Bravo Zulu Celebration ________________________________________________________________________________Friday, June 7, 2019 Bowman Field, Hangar 5, Louisville 10:00 am-4 pm: The Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund is sponsoring the WWII B-25 Bomber “Show Me” so that WWII Veterans can fly in it for free out of Bowman Field. For more information and to schedule a reservation, please call Jeff Thoke at 502-645-5421 to schedule a time to fly. Seats are limited, so reservations must be made in advance. Flight times are 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The B-25 "SHOW ME" is from the Commemorative Air Force based out of St. Louis. For more information on these events please contact Jeff Thoke at 502-645-5421