The University Park Airport was proud to host “Sentimental Journey,” a B-17 bomber from World War II, from August 28 until September 3. On public exhibition and available for tours and rides at the Penn State Aviation Center, the B-17 is one of only ten airworthy in the world.

The visit by the classic B-17, part of the Flying Legends of Victory Tour, was made possible by the volunteers of the nonprofit Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum.

Inside the Penn State Aviation Center, the atmosphere was lively as volunteer crew members, some in period dress, interacted with visitors and guided them through various exhibits featuring memorabilia and stories of World War II aircraft.

“It was great to have the aircraft here and give people in our community an opportunity to see a piece of history they wouldn’t otherwise see,” says Bryan Rodgers, director of the University Park Airport. “We had a steady stream of people coming through to see the plane and take tours, including a few World War II veterans. It was a special experience for them to see the aircraft.”

As well as tours, short flights were available to reserve. Commercial airline pilots volunteer their time to the Commemorative Air Force to take passengers up in “Sentimental Journey.”

The Arizona Commemorative Air Force takes its World War II planes on tour each summer to educate the public about the role of aviation in combat history. The tour, which launched in June, is scheduled to stop in 50 cities across the U.S. and Canada through October.