DAYTON, Ohio — National Museum of the U.S. Air Force visitors will have a unique opportunity to celebrate Armed Forces Day by meeting and learning from Air Force veterans in the galleries throughout the day on May 20.

Among the 11 veterans scheduled to be on-hand are a retired crew chief and navigator, as well as pilots and engineers who have flown on aircraft such as the B-1, B-25, B-58, C-123, C-124, C-130, C-141, F-4, F-100, KC-97, KC-135 and SR-71. In addition, a former museum curator will be available to discuss the B-17G Flying Fortress exhibit.

Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and interact with these aviation experts, who will tell personal stories and offer first-hand knowledge about the aircraft and exhibits.

President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Admission and parking are free. For more information about the museum, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.

For more information, please contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at (937) 255-3286.