70th anniversary of VE Day concert at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Members of a Dallas-Ft. Worth Honor Flight of World War II veterans and others enjoy a 70th anniversary of VE Day concert at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Several attendees danced while the Airmen of Note, wearing vintage pinks and greens, played popular songs of the World War II era. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Donald Schofield photo/released)

Raising the Roof at Udvar-Hazy

Published June 4, 2015
By Senior Master Sgt. Bill Tortolano

Washington, D.C. -- Over 21,000 lucky visitors to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, were treated to two concerts by the Airmen of Note on Saturday, May 9. Dressed in vintage "pinks and greens," they closed a very special 70th anniversary of VE Day commemoration that began with a historic "flyover" of vintage planes over Washington, D.C., and continued with a command performance for 43 World War II Honor Flight veterans from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

In addition to the overwhelming collection of aircraft, the museum also displayed many of the fighters and bombers that took part in the flyover, as well as Jeeps, personnel carriers and a host of other vehicles from World War II. Topping it off, "Gottaswing," a group of dancers dressed in period attire, entertained guests and even gave free lessons between performances.

Dr. Gerald Epstein, a member of the group said, "Entertaining Honor Flights is the most rewarding thing we do," adding that the all-volunteer dance ensemble will often meet and greet the vets at the airport upon arrival.

The Band will host another Dallas-Ft. Worth area Honor Flight, including 40 Korean Conflict veterans, on Saturday, June 13 at 1:30 p.m. Among the visitors will be an interesting musical veteran traveling with the group by the name of Jack Melick, who played in the U.S. Army Band and had quite a career as a band leader. Once again, the audience will be entertained by the Airmen of Note, dressed in vintage Army Air Corps uniforms, filling Gabriel Hall with period music.

Honor Flight building tours and performances have always been an integral part of The U.S. Air Force Band's mission of honoring those who have served, while inspiring American citizens to heightened patriotism and service. The Band is proud to take part in these historic events.