Since 1989, the 50th Anniversary of the start of World War II, the Collings Foundation has carried the torch of honoring and remembering our heroes of the Greatest Generation with our programs like the Wings of Freedom Tour which has touched millions of people across our nation. We have proudly continued this commitment for these 30 years.

During 2016,  the 75th Anniversary of the beginning of that conflict, we were still very fortunate to have many of our WWII veterans among us, who were able to recount their experiences and share them with our visitors at any one of our 100 tour events that year. As the years progressed, we noticed that fewer and fewer of our veteran friends were there with us and our mission to preserve their memory became even more important.

Now we are at the 75th Anniversary year of the end of World War II, and this was to perhaps be the last major opportunity to recognize our veterans while they are still among us. Sadly, we as a nation are currently faced with fighting a different kind of war that prevents us from meeting that goal. But, we are committed to maintaining their legacy of service and sacrifice into the future with your help.

Refusing to allow COVID-19 to dim our nation’s heritage

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted us all in some way over the past two months and we still have many challenges ahead. Tragically, it has significantly affected our older citizens, especially those of the Greatest Generation we sought to honor this year.  

As a result of the pandemic and the limitations of public gatherings in many states extending into the fall, we have postponed the Wings of Freedom Tour, that began its 31st year of touring in January, until 2021. Additionally, the tragic accident with the B-17 Flying Fortress in October 2019 further restricts our ability to offer flight experiences at this time, after 30 years of safe operation.

In Massachusetts, our new American Heritage Museum featuring the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection has temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions in the state until social distancing measures can be lifted. School visits have been cancelled for the remainder of the school year, and special events have been postponed.

We can overcome, together.

Though we face many challenges ahead as an organization and as a nation, we are inspired by those of the Greatest Generation who were the foundation of our living history mission from the very start. All citizens, overseas or on the homefront, rolled up their sleeves, worked together, and fought hard until the words of Victory could be heard on every Main Street. We can do this, together.

At the Collings Foundation and the American Heritage Museum, this means that we are making plans and getting ready for when we are able to re-open, such as:

  • Developing new additions and content to the museum
  • Designing school programs for anticipated field trips this Fall
  • Creating new experiences, such as a classic auto driving program and tank rides
  • Finishing restorations of incredible veterans of the war including our original Piper L-4 “Rosie the Rocketer” flown by Maj. Charles Carpenter
  • Organizing new outdoor events to showcase some of our amazing tanks and vehicles in operation

We are also working with the FAA with the goal of continuing our Wings of Freedom Tour program in 2021 and are further committing to maintaining safety as our top priority in all operations.

We are committed to our role as proud custodians of our nation’s heritage and the valor of those who have worn the uniform. We will be ready to open our doors when it is once again safe to gather.

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