Gathering of Warbirds reunion to celebrate D-Day anniversary

For The Madera Tribune

World War II vintage aircraft and cars of the era will be featured at the Gathering of Warbirds reunion May 11 at Madera Municipal airport.

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Madera Airport will be humming with activity on Saturday, May 11, when the Gathering of Warbirds Reunion and Classic Car show join to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944.

Firm commitments have been received for six Mustang Fighter planes, including the only P51 H in the world that’s still flying. Powered by a Merlin engine, this plane was a perennial attendee of the Gathering of Warbirds event in the 1970’s. Joining the list of WW2 planes is a Russian YAK 11, two North American AT-6s, three Stearman PT-17s and two Fairchild PT-19s.

A number of additional military aircraft also are expected and will be announced at a later date.

The Classic Car Show will feature civilian and military vehicles of the era.

A contingent of veterans who are residents at the Veterans Home in Fresno will be honored at the event.

Food and beverage vendors will be on the grounds.

Gates are scheduled to open at 8:30 a.m. Entry fee is a minimum $10 donation.

The Gathering of Warbirds Reunion is a 501C3 Non Profit Corp. For additional information call 816-8461 or 360-9799.