Tribute to American Airmen of WWII to Open at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Maj. Fredric Arnold (Ret.) fulfills his vow to honor fallen comrades with exhibit unveiling

Denver, CO – July 27, 2016 — On August 6th, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, will be the temporary home to “Lest We Forget: The Mission,” an exhibit of twelve life-size bronze figures memorializing the 88,000 American Airmen who lost their lives in World War II.

“Lest We Forget: The Mission” was realized by former Major, WWII fighter pilot and artist Fredric Arnold who made a solemn vow to honor his fallen comrades, including thirteen other members of Class 42-J, his P-38 training squadron. Major Arnold of Longmont, now 94 years of age, began the project more than four years ago and, with an assistant, has since sculpted the original monument using more than 3,000 pounds of clay.

“We are truly honored to be the host for this incredible work of art,” explained Wings Over the Rockies’ Chief Operating Officer, Mark Hyatt. “This amazing exhibit will be integral in the national effort to honor, preserve and promote the heritage of WWII’s American combat pilots.”

“After more than 70 years I have fulfilled a solemn vow to honor my comrades,” Arnold said. “I am thrilled this piece will be seen in such a wonderful public venue. May we never witness the destruction of World War again.”

“Lest We Forget: The Mission” will be unveiled in a special ceremony on Saturday, August 6th at 11:30 AM at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver, Colorado. The exhibit will be on display at Wings through January of 2017 after which time it will be transferred to the famed National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.

About Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum:

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is Colorado’s Official Air & Space Museum. Founded in 1994 and housed at the former Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Wings is dedicated to inspiring, educating and entertaining the public about aviation and space endeavors of the past, present and future. Visitors will find over 50 aircraft on display, thrilling flight simulator experiences and a learning center dedicated to the expansion of aerospace education in Colorado. For more information about Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum please visit WingsMuseum.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter & Instagram, connect with us on LinkedIn, join us on G+ and subscribe to our YouTube channel.