Follow-up: B-25 Vets Hold Reunion in Crest

FOLLOW-UP: An earlier article (copy below) announced the planned reunion for veterans and friends of the 57th Bomb Wing Association who flew B-25 missions in Europe during WWII.
The Association held their Eastern Reunion at the Pan American Hotel in Wildwood Crest on May 13-16. World War II veterans from as far away as Florida traveled to be with their comrades and talk over their experiences flying B-25’s over North Africa, Corsica, and Italy during the war.
The reunion group toured the Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station – Wildwood. While there, they met members of the Civil Air Patrol, NE Philadelphia Composite Squadron 104, who were touring the museum at the same time. The cadets and officers were privileged to meet these men and hear their stories. “It was an honor for us,” commented Captain Notarfrancesco.
Owners of the (Wildwood) Crest Pier saw the article in the paper about the 57th Reunion, and posted a welcome on their billboard. A representative of the Crest Pier came across the street to welcome the first vets as they arrived at the hotel.
The Herald thanks Julie Martin for providing the reunion recap and photos.
It was a privilege for Cape May County to share some “Jersey hospitality” with this group of distinguished Americans and their associates.
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WILDWOOD CREST – Veterans from World War II and their families will be having their Eastern Reunion at the Pan American Hotel in Wildwood Crest this weekend, May 13-16.
These . They flew B-25’s over North Africa, Corsica, and Italy in 1943-1945. This is now a small, distinguished group – the vets are fewer each year. However, those who attend are a tight cadre, dedicated to each other and to telling stories from the days of flying their beloved B-25’s.
The passion of these veterans is shared and supported by their descendants. Julie Martin’s dad was a pilot in the 57th during 1945. He passed away in 2008, but he loved the reunions. So, Ms. Martin has carried on by helping to organize these important gatherings, even in her father’s absence. The Association’s website was created by Vinnie White, the son of a deceased veteran. Mr. White will also be in attendance at the reunion.
For more information about this group, visit www.57thBombWing.com,