[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE REOPENING OF THE YANKEE AIR MUSEUM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Yankee Air 
Museum, a marvelous museum located in the 15th Congressional District, 
in celebration of its reopening. Originally created in 1981 for the 
purpose of preserving Willow Run's aviation history, Yankee Air Museum 
has acquired and restored an original U.S. Army Air Force hangar, as 
well as a B-24 Privateer. Over the years the Yankee Air Museum has come 
to serve as a reminder of our country's manufacturing might.
  Since obtaining the B-24 in 1987, the Yankee Air Museum has acquired 
five planes from the World War II era that have since been restored to 
flying status, including a Douglas C-47, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 
Mitchell, and two Taylorcraft L-2 Liaisons. The museum has also 
collected various retired aircraft, including a B-52 Stratofortress, in 
addition to various artifacts, including photographs, books and 
uniforms that preserve and display the aviation history of the State of 
Michigan.
  Sadly, on October 9, 2004, the Yankee Air Museum suffered a fire that 
destroyed much of the history that the museum had sought to preserve. 
Historic artifacts, photos, books, as well as retired aircraft, were 
lost in the blaze. After 6 years of hard work by the Yankee Air Museum 
members, the museum is set to reopen on October 9, 2010, with three of 
their operational aircraft--the B-17, C-47 and B-25--in working 
condition. The reopening of the Museum will be followed by an Inaugural 
Gala and a public grand opening celebration.
  I am proud of the Yankee Air Museum's many contributions to 
Michigan's 15th Congressional District and ask my colleagues to join me 
in congratulating the Museum on its inspirational reopening 
Celebration.

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