Reunion For The Pilots Who Flew The Aircraft 'On Silent Wings'

The Golden Wings Museum at the Anoka County Airport in Blaine, MN will host a reunion next month for some of the remaining few men who flew on silent wings to deliver troops, weapons and supplies in key points on the World War II front.

The 44th Annual National World War II Glider Pilots Reunion is coming to the Twin Cities, and on Friday October 3rd, several veterans from the various Troop Carrier groups including power pilots, C-47 crewmen, and mechanics, plus their wives and other family members, will be visiting Golden Wings Museum.

Approximately 6,000 individuals were trained as glider pilots. Just fewer than 200 dues-paying glider pilots and 250 affiliate members still participate in current activities; although their numbers are declining as the age range of glider pilots is 89 to 96. The glider pilots are proud of their silver wings with the large letter “G” which they say, really stands for GUTS. It took guts to fly the glider beyond enemy lines on a one-way mission.

The event is open to the public. It is scheduled to begin at noon and end at 4:00 p.m.

In addition, a very special Lockheed Lodestar, owned and flown by Scott Glover from Mt. Pleasant, TX. will be on display for visitors. On site will also be a P-51 Mustang named “Pecos Bill” flown by Cowden Ward.

The museum will not charge admission for the event, but asks for donations to cover its costs.

(Image provided by the Golden Wings Museum)

FMI: www.goldenwingsmuseum.com