HOUSTON – As part of the ongoing vigilance required to see our community through this COVID-19 pandemic, and in continued support of instruction by public health experts and local, state and federal officials, the 2020 Texas Aviation Hall of Fame induction ceremony and luncheon has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020. This date coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Japanese surrender in WWII, VJ Day. The ceremony was originally scheduled for Friday, May 8, VE Day – Victory Over Europe Day.
The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) recently announced the class of 2020 inductees into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. A distinguished panel of aviation historians, authors, publishers, archivists and aviation experts selected George W.S. Abbey, Colonel (retired) Eileen M. Collins, Usto Schulz and Tyson Weihs.
Museum President and CEO Douglas H. Owens, Lt. Gen. (ret.) said, “We are thrilled to induct each of these deserving candidates into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, however the safety and health of our community is paramount. Although the recognition of each of the inductees’ aviation achievements is delayed, I am pleased it will occur on Sept. 2, as we also remember WWII’s VJ Day. We look forward to the event as well as welcoming the community back to the Lone Star Flight Museum.”
The Texas Aviation Hall of Fame was established in 1995 to honor and recognize Texans and Texas companies or organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions to the advancement of aviation. The 2020 Texas Aviation Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon sponsors include Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar, Ph.D./TAMU Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory, Robin and Marshall Cloyd, Linda and Barry Hunsaker, Hillwood, USAA and CenterPoint Energy.
In addition to the induction ceremony, and in recognition of VJ Day, the museum will also unveil the newly restored TBM Avenger. The World War II torpedo bomber is currently undergoing restoration and will honor President George H. W. Bush and his military service as a replica of his famed “Barbara III.” Bush’s Avenger was shot down on Sept. 2, 1944. The Gary Sinise Foundation, The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation and Museum Board Member James Bath generously funded the project.
Individual ticket sales will be available in the coming weeks. Exclusive underwriting opportunities are now available to become a part of this special day.
During this time of closure, museum members are encouraged to renew or upgrade their membership and we ask our visitors, groups, educators, members and donors to make a donation of any kind to the museum. Donations are a vital part of our livelihood, and like so many others, critical at this trying time.
Continue to follow us on our website and Facebook or Instagram for the most current information and to enjoy the LSFM Virtual Visits.
About the Lone Star Flight Museum
The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) is a 501c3 aviation museum and STEM learning center with a mission to celebrate flight and achievements in Texas aviation as well as educate and engage our youth through science, technology, engineering and math. In addition to the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, the 130,000 square foot museum is home to a flying collection of rare and historic commercial, general aviation and military aircraft. Guests can experience the wonder of flight in a warbird ride and get hands-on in the high-tech Aviation Learning Center and Flight Academy. Multiple public and STEM-focused education programs create an unforgettable museum experience for visitors of all ages. Located at Ellington Airport, just 20 minutes from downtown Houston. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.