EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. -The "Tora! Tora! Tora!" aerial re-enactment of the events of December 7, 1941 - one of the most dazzling warbird air show performances flying today - will be part of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh afternoon warbird shows for the first time this summer.
The 60th annual EAA AirVenture fly-in convention - known as "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" - will take place July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
"Tora! Tora! Tora!" is a re-creation of the attack on Pearl Harbor, staged with the volunteers and aircraft of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) that include ground operations, maintenance, pilots and pyrotechnic experts. Its purpose is to create a dynamic history lesson about the event that propelled the United States into World War II. The re-creation is usually the feature performance at air shows throughout the nation, complete with professional narration, pyrotechnics and dozens of World War II-era aircraft.
The "Tora! Tora! Tora!" performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 27-28, the final weekend of EAA AirVenture. (Photo courtesy Commemorative Air Force
The "Tora! Tora! Tora!" performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 27-28, the final weekend of EAA AirVenture. It is part of a weeklong schedule of the world's finest air show performers showcasing their abilities in all-star displays that many air show fans put on their aviation "bucket list."
"The ‘Tora! Tora! Tora!' performance is a spectacular aerial event that is coming to Oshkosh, but it is more than that," said Jim DiMatteo, EAA vice president of AirVenture features and attractions. "The incredible flying and pyrotechnics reinforce the story behind the events of December 1941 that forever changed the course of world and American history."
The "Tora! Tora! Tora!" air show began in 1972 following release of the movie by the same name. It is not intended to glorify war, but rather those born after World War II better understand that war does not discriminate in the pain it inflicts on people of both sides. The CAF has worked with U.S. and Japanese veterans to ensure an accurate and realistic portrayal of the events at Pearl Harbor. The show has received some of the most prestigious awards bestowed on air show performers, including the Art Scholl Award for Showmanship from the International Council of Air Shows.
The "Tora! Tora! Tora!" performances and all air show activities are included with AirVenture admission. Advance tickets, camping and other AirVenture items can be purchased at the AirVenture website.