Cape Girardeau, Missouri - A piece of WWII-era history makes its way along the Mississippi River to Cape Girardeau this fall! The LST Memorial 325 will be available for tours at Cape Girardeau’s riverfront Sept. 29 – Oct. 3.

The LST Memorial 325 was a participant in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.  Launched in 1942, this ship is the only remaining LST out of the over 1,000 manufactured during WWII.

The SEMO Chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will set up a living camp at the First Presbyterian Church’s lot at the corner of Broadway and Spanish streets that will consist of tents, vehicles, weapons, and the various gear that would have been used by our Armed Services, with a primary focus on the WWII era (although some equipment and gear from later eras will be present).

short drive away, another WWII icon will be on display September 27 – October 2! The B-17 Flying Fortress will be on public exhibition at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and open for “climb aboard” ground tours each day from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with a suggested $5 donation.

The B-17 Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey is one of ten airworthy B-17s remaining out of over 17,000 manufactured for combat during WWII.  The classic warbird was restored to authentic condition by Commemorative Air Force volunteers as part of its flying museum tour programs.  In addition to ground tours of the aircraft — rides in the aircraft will be offered.  Contact 602-448-9415 or b17rc[at]azcaf.org for reservations.  Waist gunner/radio operator seats are $425, and bombardier/navigator seats in nose are $850.  The Facebook event has more details.