Several groups in the Knoxville area have been hard at work to bring the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, and their RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit mobile theater to town for family-friendly activities in April. The events are a unique way to experience the inspiring story of the Tuskegee Airmen – America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel.
The exciting RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is a fully functional movie theater featuring the original short film “Rise Above,” designed to take the audience on a journey through time – and then through the air. The theater’s dynamic 160-degree panoramic screen creates the sensation of being in the cockpit soaring above the clouds in the P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII. It’s much more than a history lesson; the Tuskegee Airmen’s ability to triumph over adversity serves as a means to inspire others to RISE ABOVE obstacles in their own lives and achieve their goals.
April 16-17 the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, along with the CAF Dixie Wing’s P-51D Mustang “Red Nose”, will be appearing at the Smoky Mountain Air Show. General admission to the air show and entrance to the mobile theater is FREE! Experience the theater then see this majestic vintage fighter up close and personal on static display. Original Tuskegee Airman and pilot George Hardy will be at the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit to sign autographs and answer questions. Bring the family to meet a living legend!
April 19-20 the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will arrive at the Green McAdoo Cultural Center, located at 101 School Street in Clinton where admission is FREE!
April 22-23 the American Museum of Science & Energy will host the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit at 300 S. Tulane in Oak Ridge. Standard admission rates to the museum apply, although entrance to the mobile theater is FREE.
School and community groups are invited to schedule private showings by contacting Glenda Bingham at (865) 576-3200 at the American Museum of Science & Energy, and Marilyn Hayden at (865) 463-6500 at the Green McAdoo Cultural Center. Student groups will receive a free CAF Red Tail Squadron inspirational dog tag featuring their Six Guiding Principles – Aim High, Believe In Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready To Go, Never Quit, Expect to Win.
Eugene Gallaher, president of the Green McAdoo Cultural Center, said, “The board members of the Green McAdoo Cultural Center and Museum in Clinton, Tennessee, in celebration of the museum’s 10year anniversary, are proud to host the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit. It is a special look at the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and we hope that the public finds this moving program educational and thought-provoking as we celebrate the courage, determination and obstacles that the first ever black pilots endured in order to serve their country.”
The CAF Red Tail Squadron’s visit to Knoxville and the Smoky Mountain Airshow is being sponsored by the Green McAdoo Cultural Center and several local supporters, including UT-Battelle, American Museum of Science & Energy, Consolidated Nuclear Services, Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, Steve Jones & Associates, LLC, Jennifer Dawson, and Eugene and Mattie Gallaher.
