GRANITE FALLS - It’s not unusual to find visitors from around the country at the Fagen Fighters World War II Museum located at the Granite Falls Municipal Airport.
Except they usually don’t all arrive at once, which was the case Saturday and for good reason.
The 2015 Ray Fagen Memorial Air Show attracted visitors numbering in the thousands to the airport and museum grounds. World War II-era bombers, fighter planes and trainers, and the AeroShell Aerobatic team took to the summer skies and entertained the audience with their maneuvers.
Many of the aircraft that performed for the “Bombs Away’’ air show came with storied histories from World War II battles.
The popular air show also featured a World War II battle re-enactment on the grounds, opportunities to tour the museum as well as climb into a bomber and see warcraft up close on the ground. An evening air show and dance completed the event.
The air show is a tribute to all military veterans, and also remembers the late Ray Fagen, father of Ron Fagen. An aviation enthusiast and World War II veteran, Ray Fagen was among those who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.
Ron and Diane Fagen and sons Aaron and Evan opened the Fagen Fighters museum in the fall of 2012 with the stated goal of “connecting the latest generation to the greatest.’’
The museum has become one of the region’s most popular destinations. Visitors can view authentic, working-condition World War II aircraft and other military vehicles, and learn about the U.S. air campaign in World War II. A World War II control tower, artworks and a growing collection of World War II artifacts also tell the story of America’s role in the war.
For more information and a video, visit fagenfighterswwiimuseum.org/
