Few events make it onto my calendar every year, but the Annual World War II Weekend at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, PA is one of them. On Saturday, June 6, my dad and I returned to Reading, Pennsylvania for the 35th annual event.  This was my fourth consecutive year attending and my dad’s sixth. The event has become a great father-and-son tradition that never disappoints. The event ran from Friday, June 5th through Sunday, June 7th.  We made the two-hour drive to Reading and, after parking, were able to get on a shuttle bus rather quickly.

It was a hot day, but it was well worth it. When we arrived, we made our way through the aircraft displays and, for the first time, were able to go inside a 1943 Douglas C-54D aircraft. The C-54 was the workhorse of the Berlin Airlift in 1948–1949. After World War II ended, the Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin in an effort to force the Western Allies out of the city, creating one of the first major crises of the Cold War. For nearly fifteen months, the United States and Great Britain airlifted food, fuel, and other supplies to the people of West Berlin. By May 1949, the Soviet Union lifted the blockade. Today, the aircraft has been transformed into a flying museum and, remarkably, still takes to the skies like many of the other planes on display.

After exiting the aircraft, my dad and I made our way through the various military camps. Every year, I am amazed by the amount of time and dedication required to set up the camps that stretch across the grounds. The reenactors are extremely knowledgeable and eager to share details about what was necessary to serve during the war. As you walk through the camps, you almost feel as though you are stepping back in time. Weapons, equipment, supplies, and everyday necessities are all on display, serving as reminders of what soldiers endured when they were not on the battlefield.

At about 11:30 a.m., we stopped at one of the food trucks for lunch before finding a spot near the airfield to watch the afternoon airshow. Around 12:30 p.m., paratroopers jumped from an aircraft, an event you can check out on my social media pages in the coming days. My video captures the first of two jumps. The paratroopers were especially brave considering the windy conditions on Saturday, yet they proceeded with the demonstration anyway.

The airshow was highly entertaining, and it is always a pleasure to watch The Jersey Jerks, an airshow team that consistently puts on an impressive performance. Other pilots also took to the skies to showcase many of the aircraft that had been on display throughout the grounds. You can also check out my social media pages for videos of the airshow.

My dad and I watched the flying demonstrations until nearly 4:00 p.m. Afterward, we took one final walk around the event before heading toward the shuttle buses. However, when we saw the long line waiting for transportation back to the parking area, we decided to get an Uber instead.

What’s great about World War II Weekend is that the event draws a huge crowd, yet the Reading airport grounds are so expansive—and there are so many camps, exhibits, and aircraft to explore—that it never feels overcrowded.  

It was especially meaningful to attend the event on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. It is encouraging to see so many people come together to learn about World War II and honor those who served during the conflict. If you have never made the trip to Reading for World War II Weekend, I highly recommend it.

For more information about the event, visit: https://maam.org/wwii/

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