July Theme: Ohio Gathers – Statewide Homecomings & Picnics
There are few traditions more enduring than gathering together. Whether welcoming someone home, celebrating a milestone, reconnecting with old friends, or sharing a picnic on a summer afternoon, these moments strengthen communities and create lasting memories.

This month, discover stories throughout the Museum that reflect those same traditions—from hometown celebrations for the Wright brothers and World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker to reunions of the Doolittle Raiders and the emotional homecoming of American prisoners of war after Vietnam.

Early Years Gallery

• Wright Brothers Pin — (online only) This commemorative pin was created for the Wright brothers' 1909 homecoming celebration in Dayton. It marked the community's welcome home for Orville and Wilbur after their aviation demonstrations in Europe brought them international recognition.
• They Raced for the Bendix Trophy — (online only) The Bendix Trophy Race became one of America's best-known air races during the interwar years. Pilots from across the country competed in cross-country speed races that advanced aviation technology while drawing large crowds and national attention.
• Capt. Edward V. Rickenbacker — (online only) When World War I ace Edward V. Rickenbacker returned to his hometown of Columbus in February 1919, thousands gathered to welcome him home. Admirers crowded the train station to celebrate one of America's most decorated aviators, whose childhood home still stands as a historic site.

• Service Flags and Pins — Service flags displayed in the windows of American homes recognized family members serving in the military during wartime. For generations, these simple banners have represented pride, sacrifice, and the connection between those serving overseas and the families waiting for them at home.

World War II Gallery

• Boeing B-17F Memphis Belle™: "26th Mission": War Bond Tour — The USAAF selected the Memphis Belle and its crew to represent the strategic bombing effort on a widely-publicized war bond and morale-boosting tour with more than thirty stops across the country.  Acclaimed in newspapers and greeted as heroes by large crowds, the famed aircraft and crew became national celebrities and strengthened public resolve for the war effort.
• A Raider's Toast: The Doolittle Raiders' Goblets — These 80 silver goblets commemorate the 80 men who flew the Doolittle Raid against Japan in April 1942. At every reunion, the surviving Raiders met privately to conduct their solemn "Goblet Ceremony." After toasting the Raiders who died since their last meeting, they turn the deceased men's goblets upside down.

Southeast Asia War Gallery

• Operation Homecoming — The Paris Peace Accords of 1973 included provisions for exchanging prisoners of war. The plan to bring American prisoners home was called Operation Homecoming. 591 Prisoners were to be returned to U.S. control during February and March 1973, with the longest-held generally returning first.
• 100 Mission Celebrations — Completing a 100-mission combat tour became an important milestone for many Air Force crews during the Vietnam War. Celebrations varied by unit but often included flyovers, ceremonies, and gatherings that recognized the accomplishment before crews returned home.

Berlin Airlift

• Berlin Airlift — The Berlin Airlift carried a total of 2,325,510 tons of cargo into Berlin with coal representing approximately 1,500,000 tons, followed by more than 500,000 tons of food

Global Reach

• Lockheed C-141C Starlifter "Hanoi Taxi" — This C-141 airlifted the first American prisoners of war to freedom during Operation Homecoming from Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, North Vietnam, on Feb. 12, 1973. The Hanoi Taxi flew two missions into Hanoi, carrying out 78 POWs and two civilian returnees to the Philippines, and four missions from the Philippines to the United States, carrying 76 ex-POWs.