On February 1, 2014, several members along with family members of the Georgia Chapter of the Mighty 8th Air Force Historical Society from Atlanta, GA, were present for the 72 birthday celebration of founding of the Mighty 8th Army Air Force.The Eighth Bomber Command (Re-designated 8th AF in February 1944) was activated as part of the United States Army Air Forces January 28, 1942, at Hunter Field in Savannah, Georgia. Brigadier General Ira C. Eaker took the headquarters to England the next month to prepare for its mission of conducting aerial bombardment missions against Nazi-occupied Europe. During World War II, under the leadership of such Generals as Eaker and Jimmy Doolittle, the 8th AF became the greatest air armada in history. By mid-1944, the 8th AF had reached a total strength of more than 200,000 people (it is estimated that more than 350,000 Americans served in 8th AF during the war in Europe). At its peak, the 8th AF could dispatch more than 2,000 four-engine bombers and 1,000 fighters on a single mission. For these reasons, the 8th AF became known as the "Mighty Eighth".
Lighting of the Candles
Lighting of the Candles has become a tradition conducted each and every year around the country celebrating this momentous occasion. It is with honor that we share this year's Lighting of the Candles at the birthplace of the Mighty Eighth Bomber Command.The Vintage Vocals
Celebrating with us was Atlanta's own Vintage Vocals. Here is their 30 minutes show.
Please come back to this page as we will be adding pictures.
If you were at this event and took pictures, please do send them on to us... and comment below.
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