Will Rogers and Wiley Post Fly-In and National Day of Remembrance

On Saturday, August 14, from 7:30 a.m.to 1:30 p.m., aviation enthusiasts will mark 86 years since Will Rogers and Wiley Post died in an Alaska plane crash. To honor their memory, pilots of small planes will land on a 2,000-foot grass strip at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, adjacent to the house where Rogers was born in 1879.

The fly-in is an opportunity for the public to get an up-close look at vintage and late-model small aircraft and visit with the pilots. Pilots come from a four-state area to showcase their planes and renew friendships from previous years. Come early to see the first aircraft land.

There will also be special activities for children, Cherokee storytelling, a classic car show and tours of the birthplace and the Amish-built barn. Reenactors portraying Will Rogers and Wiley Post will be a part of the festivities. Admission is free, and ample parking is available on the grounds. This event is sponsored by the Cherokee Nation.

Also on August 14, a National Day of Remembrance will be held as a Facebook Live Event at 10 a.m. This ceremony will mark the tragic loss of the lives of Will Rogers and Wiley Post. The service will also honor all those who have lost their lives in small airplane crashes. This event can be accessed at www.facebook.com/WRBirthplace. For this event, a special commemorative lapel pin featuring an image of Will Rogers will be given as a free gift to family members who have lost a loved one in a small plane accident.

Inscribed on the pin is the Will Rogers quote, “She’s a beautiful day and we are flying high.” Those interested can email wrinfo@willrogers.com to request a pin.