Three World War II veterans, including Gene Leavy of East Northport, will take part in a program that re-enacts the D-Day invasion Saturday at the American Airpower Museum in East Farmingdale.
Leavy, 95, who enlisted in 1943 and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Joseph Salvatore Randazzo, 95, of West Babylon and Dr. Richard Heinl, 96, of Syosset will participate in the program.
Three flights are set for Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Re-enactors are led by Robert Scarabino, a World War II historian
who has organized the museum’s C-47 D-Day Living History Flight Experiences since the program’s inception in 2003.
This event includes a mission briefing in the ready room; a chance to wear authentic military field jackets, helmets and gear; and a chance to line up to hook up to the overhead static line.
Veterans will reflect on and share their war memories and be available for photo ops, interacting with guests/passengers during intake and orientation, in the briefing room and as “paratroopers” march out to the C-47. Airborne equipment and gear will be set up for visitors to view.
Leavy served in Company I of the 100th Infantry Division of the 398th Regiment, which entered Europe in September of 1944 and defended the Village of Bitche in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war ended, he served in the American Military Government of Germany where he interviewed prisoners for intelligence purposes.
For more information, or to book a flight, call (516) 531-3950, visit the Museum’s gift shop or call (631) 454-2039, starting Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.