Seattle World Cruiser christening Saturday: Your invitation!

That’s the Seattle World Cruiser – whose co-pilot, a former West Seattleite, sent this invitation for us to share with you (and any other aviation/history fans, and dreamers!, with whom you care to share it):

Dr. Diane Weglin Dempster, Seattle World Cruiser co-pilot, educator, and graduate of West Seattle High School Class of 1972, invites YOU–her West Seattle Community, to join in the Fun of Making History at TWO Very Special Events:

Event Number One, FREE and Open to the Public–The Rollout and Christening Ceremony of Seattle II, a full-scale, flying reproduction of the 1924 Douglas World Cruiser aircraft, first airplane to fly around the world. MEET friends, families, and Special VIP Guests at the event! THRILL to the rousing music of The Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band! FOLLOW THE PROGRESS of the 1920’s Model T Truck, proudly towing The Seattle World Cruiser along the taxiway to the ceremony! SIGH with the wistful drone of bagpipes!

REJOICE in the spirit of Chief Seattle and his namesake City and Aeroplane in a special Duwamish Blessing of “Thunder Canoe!”

APPLAUD as World Cruiser Pilot Bob Dempster [pictured above with the plane and below with Dr. Diane Dempster] presents a bottle of Lake Washington water to christen the Seattle World Cruiser, Seattle II, and DANCE with joy for what’s to come! And…If conditions are favorable, there might even be the ROAR of the Mighty 400hp Lincoln Motor Company Liberty V-12 engine and a HOP down the runway…We shall see….

Saturday, June 29th between 10 am and 2 pm, with the ceremony commencing at 10:45, outdoors, airport side, at the Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way South (info link here)

Also visit the Museum of Flight’s Lobby to see the Rickenbacker coupe automobile and the 10-foot Douglas World Cruiser model airplane…AND the Museum’s newly-installed, Special Exhibit (along the Lobby’s north glass wall) on the Seattle World Cruiser Project.

Backstory from Dr. Dempster, ahead:

The City of Seattle became known around the globe in 1924, when four Douglas World Cruiser aircraft, carrying Army Air Service crews, departed from Sand Point, on Lake Washington, to complete the first around-the-world flight, the second greatest aviation milestone after the Wright Brothers. The Seattle World Cruiser Association (SWCA) is proud to present Seattle II, a full-scale, flying reproduction of the 1924 Douglas World Cruiser aircraft, 12 years in the making, in preparation for a world celebration flight, planned for 2014.

The Seattle World Cruiser Association is a publicly-supported 501(c)3 arts & cultural organization. Our Mission: To Provide Public Programs for community engagement in celebration and preservation of local history, culture, and artifacts, with an initial focus on the development and influences of aviation and related technologies that were introduced to the Northwest through the first world flight.

Please visit our website at www.seattleworldcruiser.org to learn all about the first world flight and view the photo logbook on how Seattle II was constructed.

SECOND EVENT: Through the website, you can also Reserve Tickets to Event Number Two, June 29th at 6 pm, a Post-Rollout Evening Reception and Celebration at the Museum of Flight, music by The Ham Carson Jazz Quintet, featuring Virtuoso Clarinetist, Ham Carson, and “Art of Jazz” Radio Host, Trombone Player, Mr. Ken Wiley. Special Door Prizes, an opportunity to capture the magic of the museum after hours, meet local luminaries, enjoy fabulous refreshments, admire the stunning World Cruiser painting, “Let’s Go!” by renown artist John Amendola (who will be signing prints)–and learn the stories behind the Seattle World Cruiser Story: Past–Present–and Future!!! An evening for all to REMEMBER, CELEBRATE–and DREAM LIKE YOU MEAN IT!!!

5 Replies to "Seattle World Cruiser christening Saturday: Your invitation!"

  • Anne June 25, 2013 (4:52 pm)

    Can’t wait to come and watch. Thanks for the reminder Diane.

  • Layne Benofsky June 25, 2013 (4:59 pm)

    Thanks so much for posting this! We just opened an exhibit about the World Cruisers ahead of the party, and just got a video online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o4qXLfOG3Q

    Needless to say, we’re all pretty excited about the voyage and looking forward to this weekend’s festivities.

  • Jim P. June 25, 2013 (6:50 pm)

    Is that an actual vintage Liberty engine? if so, wow indeed. This is one cool replica plane, I hope you get some shots of it airborne.

  • Diane June 25, 2013 (7:16 pm)

    Yes, indeed! A 1918 Lincoln Liberty V-12 engine. An incredible machine. Goosebumps guaranteed.

  • Stacy June 25, 2013 (7:53 pm)

    This is so great! I’ve been taking lessons at Wings next door and watching the progress, which has been exciting. It’s even more impressive in person!

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