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The event will present Aerodrome's world-famous air shows featuring aircraft from the World War I period. It will also include military historians, re-enactors, collectors and restorers who will provide visitors with an intimate glimpse into what was called The Great War at the time that took place from 1914-18.
Among the displays and demonstrations by authentically uniformed and equipped living-history re-enactors from as far as Baltimore, Md., will be portrayals of the British Royal Sussex Regiment accompanied by nurses of the Volunteer Aid Detachment and the Bavarian 10th Infantry Regiment of the Imperial German Army.
An award-winning bagpiper honoring the famous "Black Watch" 42nd Highland Regiment, will participate in opening ceremonies for the air show.
Restored military vehicles will include a 1916 U.S. Army Dodge staff car and a 1918 Dodge light maintenance truck, one of only four in existence. They will join the Aerodrome's own vehicles, including the only operating World War I tank in the U.S.
Historian Mark Wilkins will lecture about the LaFayette Escadrille -- a squadron of American volunteer pilots who flew for the French prior to America's entry into the war-- on Saturday.
Sunday will feature a lecture and book-signing by author David Hanna, whose recently published book, "Rendezvous with Death," chronicles all the Americans who joined the French Foreign Legion from 1914 to 1917, until America entered the war.
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome flies original and reproduction airplanes of the time period before World War II, including the pioneers of 1909 -1913, World War I and the Lindbergh era, which includes a recently completed replica of Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, the most authentic in the air today.
Air Shows are held every Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, until mid-October.
For additional information, call (845)- 752-3200 or visit Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome's website.
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is at 9 Norton Road, Red Hook.
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