On Memorial Day weekend 2004, members of the 447th joined with 385 Eighth Air Force veterans and families to witness the dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington DC.
World War II Memorial Dedication
Washington DC, May 2004
Association founder Pete Petrillo chats with the Minkers
Edward A. Dingivan, Elwyn “Stub” Warfle, Pete Petrillo and Dean Sassaman
Minker and Sassaman trade tales with Jim Hysong
The weekend provided opportunities to see other Washington landmarks
After brunch at the 94th Aero Squadron restaurant, veterans posed with a reproduction ME-109.
One was overheard to say: “I’d never planned on getting this close to one of these”
Tens of thousands attended the ceremony on the Mall
Just one table of the 447th at the Gala Banquet
George Hoidra — Responsible to the event’s planning and overwhelming success
8thAFHS National Capital Area Chapter president Reg Rider presents a print, signed by the veterans attending to guest speaker Gen. T. Michael Moseley
Here are some photographs sent after the passing of George Hoidra. I am not sure if these were his photos or just prints that he had. Some of the images have been added to the listing above, and appear to be similar but not identical to images that were previously on the site (separate photographers.)
Reunion in Wash. DC; May 27-31, 2004
For more on the World War II Memorial, visit www.wwiimemorial.com