November, 2005
Thousands flock to Daniel Webster’s Aviation Heritage Festival

(Nashua, N.H.) – It was a perfect weekend to “see the planes,” and see the planes they did — by the thousands — at Daniel Webster College’s fifth Aviation Heritage Festival at Nashua Municipal Airport Sept. 24 and 25. Some 13,000 passed through the gates during the weekend, including scores of WW II veterans, who were admitted at no charge in recognition of their service to the country and the 60th anniversary of the end of the war.

What drew thousands of folks, young and old, to Nashua on a beautiful autumn weekend? Planes, planes, and more planes. From the WWII bombers, including the B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft,” the B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine,” and the B-25 Mitchell “Tondelayo” to the P-40 Warhawk, the P-51 Mustang, and the P-47 Thunderbolt, people and cameras were everywhere, capturing the moment and memories. Fathers and sons inspected enormous propellers and tires, while mothers took photos of their daughters standing by the beautiful and sleek aircraft. And everyone took the opportunity to investigate the planes and chat with the pilots and those who flew them years gone by.

It truly was a family event that brought out the best in everyone. On Friday, Sept. 23, nearly 300 Nashua high school students listened to the story of the Berlin Airlift, the greatest humanitarian in aviation history, in the college’s Collings Auditorium. They then had the opportunity see that history for themselves on board The Spirit of Freedom, a C-54 transport aircraft – a flying memorial and classroom -- painted to represent the 48th Troop Carrier Squadron, one of the many units that participated in that momentous mission. Owned and operated by the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation, Farmingdale, N.J., the foundation’s mission of preserving the memory and legacy of the airlift was fulfilled that day and all weekend long, as hundreds qued in line to have the opportunity to learn about that pivotal event in world history.
Midday, festival participants and airport neighbors were “wowed” by the remarkable aerobatic display by Rob Holland, himself a graduate of 1998 Daniel Webster. With such accomplishments to his credit as placing third in the U.S. National Aerobatic Competition and 10th overall, and ranking first among American pilots competing in the Advanced World Aerobatic Championships, it was no wonder that one observer exclaimed, “He’s doing things with an airplane that I never thought could be done!”
Additionally, an F-4 Phantom roared overhead in a truly amazing demonstration of contemporary military aircraft. The crowd also “ate up” flyovers by the P-40, P-47, P-51, Corsair, T-6 and T-28 and the fabulous A-10 Warthogs.

Truly a family event, aviation art was on display at several venues, the Christa McAuliff Planetarium presented “The Magic and Mystery of Mars,” The Sky Connection provided hands-on programs in a portable planetarium, The Wright Flyer Simulator offered young and old to climb aboard and try their hand at piloting a Wright Simulator, courtesy of Bob Hough, while the New Hampshire Aviation and Space Education Council sponsored “Learn to Fly,” with the Microsoft flight simulator.

Practically the only events that could attract aviation aficionados from the flight line were the very special panels held both days. WWII veterans Col. Ben Kendig, USAF (Ret.), a former C-47 pilot; Lt. Col. Philip O. Works, Jr., USAF (Ret.), a P-38 pilot, General Lou Frank (Ret.), a Corsair fighter pilot, and S/Sgt. Walter Limberger, a B-17 tail gunner, brought their adventures of 60 years ago to life in a forum moderated by Robert Collings, founder of the Collings Foundation and a Daniel Webster College trustee. In the afternoon, it was today’s military that shared their stories from the stage. Moderated by Major (Ret.) USAF Paul LaBarre, Captain Greg Craven ’97, Major Bill Smith ’84, and Major Dan Desautels ’87 spoke about their exploits in Bosnia, Iran, Afghanistan, and other areas of the world.

Annette Kurman / Director of Public Relations / Daniel Webster College/ 20 University Drive / Nashua, NH 03063 / phone: 603-577-6625 / fax: 603-577-6001/ web: www.dwc.edu. / kurman@dwc.edu