In recognition of Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor’s 10th anniversary and the upcoming 75th anniversary of the December 7th bombing of Pearl Harbor, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor presented an expanded Living History Day with a multitude of historical exhibits, presentations by award-winning authors, and hands-on demonstrations highlighting the history, bravery and heroes of WWII and the sacrifices made by both military and civilians. Living History Day saw more than 2,000 guests at the Museum on Saturday, September 24, held in partnership with Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live!. The Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and ranked one of the nation’s top 10 aviation attractions in the nation by TripAdvisor®.
This year’s event included special tributes to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, WWII exhibits created by local high school students, and meet and greets with WWII American military veterans of Japanese ancestry. Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii presented a short documentary film called “Honouliuli: Hawaii’s Hidden Internment Camp” that sheds light on the longest operating and largest WWII internment and POW camp in Hawaii. Costumed interpreters represented Rosie the Riveter, Cornelia Fort, USCG Lieutenant Frank Erickson, Japanese AFC Shigenori Nishikaichi who bombed Pearl Harbor, and more WWII characters of history.
There were presentations and book signings by WWII authors Dorinda Nicholson (Pearl Harbor Child) and Marc Wortman (1941: Fighting the Shadow War). Nell Calloway, granddaughter of General Claire Lee Chennault who led the “Flying Tigers” and the Republic of China Air Force during WWII, spoke, presenting her grandfather’s heroic feats. Other activities included swing dance, aircraft riveting in Lt. Ted Shealy’s Restoration Shop, historic aircraft modeler demonstrations, open cockpits, and meet and greet time with the WWII veterans.
About the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor
Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is located on historic Ford Island, where bombs fell during the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Visitors to the Museum can see remnants from that day of infamy, including the 158-foot tall red and white iconic Ford Island Field Control Tower still under restoration, Hangars 37 and 79, and bullet holes and battle damage in hangar 79. Through its preservation and restoration of World War II fighter planes and accompanying artifacts in the Museum’s historic hangars, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor shares the story of the vital role aviation played in America’s winning of World War II, and its continuing role in maintaining America’s freedom.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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