Published May 19, 2022
Remember the Candy Bomber -- An Event Commemorating Col. Gail Halvorsen
Known as the “Candy Bomber,” the story of Col. Gail Halvorsen is one of compassion during one of the bleakest eras of the Cold War: the Belin Blockade. Col. Gail Halvorsen of the United States Air Force flew dozens of Berlin Airlift missions - supplying the people of West Berlin with critical resources including food and energy supplies. Notably, Col. Halvorsen had the idea of dropping candy-laden parachutes for Belin Children while overflying the city in route to land. This idea would later transpire into the signature of the Berlin Airlift, with him and fellow airman dropping a combined 24 tons of chocolates and gum to the children of West Berlin. In February of 2022, after a life of continued military, civil, and community service, Col. Gail Halvorsen passed away at the age of 101.
Commemorating the legacy and impact of Col. Halvorsen, the Candy Bomber Foundation is hosting the Remember the Candy Bomber event at Spanish Fork Municipal Airport this Saturday (May 21) from 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. The event will feature a variety of activities including:
9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.:
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Remember the Candy Bomber Celebration
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Halvorsen Heritage Walk Through
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STEM Bus Unveiling & Activities
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Candy Bomber Youth Activities
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75th Anniversary of the Air Force Celebration
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Air Force Band Performances
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Static Aircraft Display
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Aircraft Fly Overs
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Food Truck Round Up
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Carrying the Candy Bomber Legacy into the Future
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.:
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C-54 “Spirit of Freedom” Flyover and Candy Drop
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C-17 “Spirit of the Candy Bomber” Flyover
For more information on the Remember the Candy Bomber event, view the itinerary available on the Candy Bomber Foundation’s website:
