The Royal Air Force Museum in Britain is in the midst of a monumental project. The team is raising a Nazi Bomber out of the English Channel.

The German Dornier Do-17 bomber was shot down on Aug. 26, 1940.

All of the crew was accounted for, making it possible to raise the empty aircraft from the English Channel.

Nicknamed the “Flying Pencil,” the Dornier has a long, thin fuselage and is the only aircraft of its kind in the world. During the Battle of Britain, German aircraft that crashed or were shot out of the sky were reclaimed, melted down and used in British aircraft such as the famous Spitfire.

The Dornier is located on a sandbar in the channel where it landed, flipping over. Over time, the tides and sands have hidden the historic aircraft.

Once the plane is raised, it will be preserved using a solution of citric acid (lemon juice) that will strip away chemicals from the channel and aid in stopping
further corrosion of the aluminum aircraft.

The museum website, www.rafmuseum.org.uk, will be posting updates and several of the team members will be blogging about the reclamation. 

Willoughby Rib Burn-Off
to benefit USO

The second annual Downtown Willoughby Rib Burn-Off will be noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, which is Armed Forces Day. Proceeds from the event will benefit USO Northern Ohio. Erie Street will be closed. Ribs, beer and wine will be available for purchase out on the street. There will interactive activities provided by the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps.

Two stages will provide continuous entertainment. 

Sixth Annual Run for the River

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 42, Lake County will host the sixth annual Run for the River on Saturday. The 70-mile run will begin at Western Reserve Harley Davidson, 8567 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor, and end at the Wagon Wheel, 1388 Hubbard Road in Madison. Staging will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. and bikes will pull out at 11 a.m.

Tickets are $8 per bike in advance and $10 the day of the run.

All proceeds raised will benefit Fisher House and DAV Chapter 42. For tickets, call 440-382-6818. 

Ladies Auxiliary hosts breakfast

The Ladies Auxiliary of Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday. For details, call 440-354-9090. 

Rolling Thunder in Chardon

Hambden Congregational Church, 13840 GAR Highway in Chardon, will welcome Rolling Thunder on Sunday. Lineup will be at 9:30 a.m. on Chardon Square and pullout will be 9:45 a.m. sharp. This event will happen rain or shine and is open to vehicles with two or four wheels.

Come help salute all of our veterans. Bagpipes will lead the procession, followed by a blessing of the bikes.

A picnic will follow the church service. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided, bring a dish to share. For details, call 440-286-4369.

Geauga World War II
veterans wanted

The Geauga County Historical Society is attempting to identify all current Geauga County residents who are veterans of World War II.

The society will be hosting a tribute dinner for the veterans on May 25 at Century Village Museum’s Bond Building. The dinner is part of a major weekend-long event to commemorate the World War II era.

If someone you know is a veteran of World War II and a resident of Geauga County, contact the Geauga County Historical Society and Century Village Museum office at 440-834-1492 or email info@geaugahistorical.org. 

Veterans Helping Veterans
stuff vehicles

Veterans Helping Veterans stuff vehicles on Memorial Day will be May 27 up town in Burton or at the open house at American Legion Atwood Mauck Post 459 following the Memorial Day service in the park at 11 a.m.

Items collected will benefit the veterans in hospitals and nursing homes. This event is sponsored by Post 459.

The wish list includes personal care items; covered soap dishes; white socks; white undershirts, underwear in medium to 2-X sizes; puzzle books, books, magazines, candy and gum. For details, call 440-834-0764. 

Flag Day ceremonies in Madison

Flag Day is June 14, and members of Jay Wilson Post 112 of the American Legion remind everyone that if your American flag is worn out, torn or faded beyond proper use, drop it off at the post home, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison. There is a drop box painted red, white and blue for fast and hassle free drop-off from your vehicle.

The membership of the post will present a public flag retirement ceremony at 6:30 p.m. June 11. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.  

Second annual
flea market planned

Legion Riders of American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host the second annual Flea Market June 15 at the post home. Spaces will be $10 with table; second table will be $5.

Spaces under the covered pavilion are limited. The sale is open to everyone who would like to clean out their attic, garage or basement.

Proceeds from the sale will help veterans in Lake County. For details or to reserve a space, call 440-724-6871.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.