Join us for the EAA Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet, where you’ll experience a once-in-a-lifetime evening.
The EAA Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet honors the spirit and achievements of Wilbur and Orville Wright. This annual banquet provides a memorable experience that will have you returning year after year.
Listen to an inspiring presentation given by a special keynote speaker who shares with us their story of adventure, camaraderie, and flight. Enjoy cocktails and a full-service dinner inside the EAA Aviation Museum’s Eagle Hangar, a hall dedicated to the memory of those who served valiantly.
Keynote Speakers – Rebecca Crosby Hutchinson & Michael Faley
Join us as we host Rebecca Crosby Hutchinson, daughter of 100th Bomb Group Navigator Harry Crosby, one of the main characters depicted in the series. Joining her will be Michael Faley, Executive Vice President of the 100th Bomb Group Foundation and technical advisor on the production.
The 100th Bomb Group, known as the Bloody 100th due to their heavy losses, operated B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft on strikes deep into enemy territory. The brave men, all in their teens and twenties, flew daring daylight bombing missions into the heart of Germany. Their story has recently been told in Apple TV’s Masters of the Air, created by John Shiban and John Orloff and produced by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman. This mini-series brought the stories of the real veterans to the screen so that viewers can better understand what the bomber crews went through.
We are excited to announce that Rebecca and Michael will be holding a book signing of Harry Crosby’s book, A Wing and a Prayer, in the lobby of the EAA Aviation Museum following the conclusion of the Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet. The book will be available for purchase at the Barnstormer Boutique prior to the book signing.
A Wing and a Prayer is an exclusive look at life in a B-17 bomb group. Harry served as a navigator in the 100th Bomb Group and flew on some of the more dangerous missions during the daylight bombing campaign in Europe. This book puts you right in the nose with Harry as he describes his missions in extreme detail. A must read for any World War II aviation fan.
We are excited to announce that Rebecca and Michael will be holding a book signing of Harry Crosby’s book, A Wing and a Prayer, in the lobby of the EAA Aviation Museum following the conclusion of the Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet. The book will be available for purchase at the Barnstormer Boutique prior to the book signing.
A Wing and a Prayer is an exclusive look at life in a B-17 bomb group. Harry served as a navigator in the 100th Bomb Group and flew on some of the more dangerous missions during the daylight bombing campaign in Europe. This book puts you right in the nose with Harry as he describes his missions in extreme detail. A must read for any World War II aviation fan.
Event Information
Schedule
Doors open at 5 p.m.
Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.
MenuFeatured speaker to begin their presentation immediately following dinner.
Suggested Attire - Guests are welcome to dress in business casual or cocktail party attire.
Parking - Vehicle parking is available in the EAA Aviation Museum parking lot.
Arrival - All guests must enter through the main EAA Aviation Museum entrance.
Bags/Carry-Ins - Any bags, backpacks, and purses must be 8.5 inches by 11 inches by 5 inches or smaller to be permitted inside the museum during the event. All items will be subject to search upon entry to the event.
Please have your tickets either printed or ready to scan on your mobile device upon arrival.