<strong>From staff reports</strong>

In support of South Carolina’s Aviation Week, Beaufort County and the Beaufort Aviation Association will honor the Tuskegee Airmen and the other American pilots and crew who made victory possible in World War II 75 years ago.

The public is invited to attend an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at the Beaufort County Airport, 39 Airport Circle, Lady’s Island, where a commemorative ceremony will be held.

The open house will feature free airplane rides, “flybys” by a variety of airplanes, aircraft displays on the parking ramp, and a welcome tent with aviation exhibitors.

Prior to the event, plans are for runners to take part in a 5K run, with an early morning start.

Sponsors include the County’s Economic Development Corp., Beaufort Aviation Association, Executive Flight Training, Lockheed Corp., Beaufort Flight Training LLC, Levin Aeromedical Consultants, ProSlab Inc., EdgeSystemXXI, Live Oak Builders, First Command Financial Services, and Swamp Fox Avionics.

South Carolina’s Aviation Week celebrates the significant economic contributions of the aerospace industry to the state. Historically, August 15, 1945 was the end of World War II and is remembered as Victory Over Japan day. The week also marks the Aug. 19 birth date of Orville Wright, who piloted the first successful powered and controlled flight in 1903.

For more information, contact Beaufort Aviation Association President James Atkins at 843-812-9909 or jim@flybeaufort.com.