BERN TOWNSHIP – The latest edition of the Argall Report, Senator David G. Argall’s (R-Schuylkill/Berks) monthly television program highlighting local events and state issues, features the 2016 World War II Weekend: A Gathering of Warbirds.
This year marked the 26th anniversary of the exciting weekend featuring World War II veterans, restored airplanes and reenactors. Over 30,000 attendees from around the country and all over the world descend on Reading for the annual event hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum (MAAM).
“This is a great opportunity for local residents to experience history with a hands-on approach,” Argall said. “It’s one of my favorite annual events in the region which brings veterans, history buffs, aviation enthusiasts and tourists to one place. And it’s all in our own backyard!”
Russ Strine, President of MAAM, noted that individuals from England, Japan, Alabama, Ohio, Michigan and surrounding states traveled to attend this year’s event.
Tourism activity due to World War II Weekend brings in around $10-12 million to the region through lodging, restaurants and other activity.
The 30-minute program features interviews with various exhibitors, including a discussion with Alan Lintz, who discussed the DH.98 Mosquito – a British-designed, Canadian-built fighter bomber. The airplane is comprised of 85 percent wood. According to Lintz, there are only 15 remaining in the world and is one of two that is still operational.
The television show also includes interviews with French and German re-enactors.
The program will air on:
- Blue Ridge Communications (Channel 13) every Monday at 10 a.m. and every Wednesday at 10:30 p.m.
- Comcast On-Demand on Channel 1 – Get Local – Government – State Senate.
- Reading (Channel 21) and Hamburg (Channel 19) every Monday at 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and every Tuesday at 9 a.m.
- Service Electric (Channel 19) the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7 p.m.
- The program is available on Berks Community Television, Shen-Heights TV, Hazleton’s WLYN TV 35 and MetroCast Communications Channel 10. Please check local listings for air times.
Senator Argall’s report is also available online at www.SenatorArgall.com.