Young Historians Program (YHP)

With a focus on documenting the untold stories of combat veterans from World War II and other global conflicts, preserving these histories remains a core mission of both the DC-3 Society and Vintage Aviation News (VAN).

 

Through education, storytelling, and immersive experiences, both organizations are committed to ensuring that the sacrifices of our veterans—and the machines that carried them—are never forgotten.

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In recent years, the DC-3 Society’s Young Historians Program (YHP) has grown into a vibrant and expanding initiative, now comprising more than a dozen members across the United States and Europe. While not all participants are aviation or warbird enthusiasts, each shares a deep passion for honoring the Greatest Generation and preserving the stories of veterans who served with courage and sacrifice.

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“I am very excited to partner with the DC-3 Society (formerly the D-Day Squadron) to provide a platform for young authors to write about history and aviation,” said Moreno Aguiari, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Vintage Aviation News. “It is important for us to play a role in safeguarding the heritage of the women, men, and machines that fought for our freedoms.”

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Since deploying to Normandy in May 2019 for the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Aguiari and Vintage Aviation News have remained loyal and active collaborators with the organization now known as the DC-3 Society. Serving as a media and storytelling platform for the work of young historians has further strengthened the partnership, uniting both organizations in their shared mission to educate new generations about the service and sacrifices of veterans—yesterday, for today.

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“The goal of the Young Historians Program is to educate today’s youth on the historical legacy of World War II,” said Michael Naya Jr., Founder of the program. “This is accomplished through surviving aircraft from that era, honoring our veterans, and educational outreach initiatives. The Young Historians Program has grown into a close-knit yet expanding community of young historians, future educators, aircrews, and individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed to ensuring the achievements of the Greatest Generation are never forgotten. By forming this program, we are ensuring these stories will live on for decades to come.”

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By leveraging digital platforms and modern storytelling tools, Vintage Aviation News aims to reach younger audiences while cultivating a knowledgeable network of well-informed content creators and social media influencers who help expand awareness and appreciation of aviation history.

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Looking ahead, the DC-3 Society anticipates continued growth of its young historian base. Through this strengthened collaboration, both organizations seek to increase youth participation in commemorative events, flyover missions, memorials, and airshows. Attendance at these events provides young members with meaningful access to veterans, historic aircraft, and—uniquely—the opportunity to participate as crew members in DC-3 operational missions.

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The launch of this next chapter of the Young Historians Program is marked by the unveiling of its own official insignia. Designed by affiliate partner Django Studios, the new logo symbolizes the program’s growth and will be featured across all content produced by its young writers, historians, and enthusiasts.