For more information please contact Nicole Wahlberg, Director of Marketing and Public Relations,
Evergreen Aviation Museum, (503) 434-4006, or email nichole.wahlberg@sprucegoose.org

FOR RELEASE
June 1, 2004

D-Day Heroes Honored at Museum's
Three Year Anniversary Celebration

June 6, 2004 not only marks the Evergreen Aviation museum's 3-year anniversary,
it also signifies the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

McMINNVILLE , Ore. — Sun., June 6, 2004 - The Evergreen Aviation Museum commemorates its 3rd anniversary with a tribute to D-Day. WWII Veterans will receive a special reduced admission into the museum on June 6, and a free outdoor public ceremony at 1 p.m. will recognize those who served during the D-Day invasion sixty years ago.

“The museum takes great honor in the opportunity to recognize veterans of all wars, especially on the 60 th anniversary of D-Day. Living history is a very important part of educating our visitors at the Evergreen Aviation Museum and it is with great appreciation that we do so,” said Darrell Kuelpman, Museum Executive Director.

The museum’s C-47, which participated in the Normandy Invasion on D-Day, will serve as the backdrop for the 1 p.m. ceremony, while C-47 Captain and museum volunteer, Jack Schlemer presents. In addition to the keynote presentation, the short patriotic ceremony will also include a presentation by paratrooper, Roland Gleason who jumped on D-Day and musical performances by bugler Bruce Bothwell and vocalist Jenna Rae.

Sixty years ago, the United States and Britain utilized the land, air and sea forces of the allied armies to carry out the invasion of northern France. Given the codename “Overlord,” the D-Day operation became the largest assault force in history, including 7,000 ships and aircraft manned by more than 195,000 personnel and transporting nearly 133,000 troops. The invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 re-established an allied presence in Europe and ultimately led to the defeat of German Nazi forces and the end of World War II. The museum’s C-47 that adorns the corner lawn at the museum served in D-Day and will be the ideal backdrop for the June 6 recognition event.

The Evergreen Aviation Museum is best known as the home of the world's largest wooden airplane, the "Spruce Goose" and the SR-71 Blackbird. In addition, there are more than 50 historic aircraft and exhibits on display, along with aviation artwork, traveling displays, the Spruce Goose Café and the museum store. The Evergreen Aviation Museum’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily except when it is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter. An extensive museum store and friendly café add to the Museum experience. The Museum is located at 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, across the highway from the McMinnville Airport and about three miles southeast of McMinnville, Ore., on Highway 18. Regular visitor admission is required. Call (503) 434-4180 for more information, and visit www.sprucegoose.org.