By Peter Covino

Lifestyles Editor

It has been almost 70 years since the Allied forces invaded Normandy, where for two days, thousands of men were involved in one of the largest armed forces invasions in history.

You can relive those fateful days of World War II with the men who were there this weekend as Fantasy of Flight presents D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy.

The event features veterans who fought in Normandy, France, June 6, 1944.

The D-Day veterans will interact with guests in open forum/question-and-answer sessions, followed by meet-and-greet/autograph signing sessions. D-Day panelists include Major Clifford Kantz, Winter Park, Fla., Sgt. Harold Heil, Tampa, Fla., PFC Paul Rancicot, Winter Haven, Fla., Lt. Hope Kirkendall, Lakeland, Fla., and from Polk County, Sgt. Teddy Fisk, Sgt. Bob Franklin and Sgt. Virgil Myers.

Throughout May, in celebration of National Military Appreciation Month, Fantasy of Flight will honor the individuals of the armed forces by extending free admission to all active-duty, retired and reserve military. Admission to the Legends & Legacies Symposium "D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy" is included in this special offer. Guests must present a current ID to qualify for the general admission ticket. This offer is not valid with any other offers or discounts.           

As the D-Day Legends & Legacies Symposium takes place over Mother's Day weekend, Fantasy of Flight is also offering free admission to all mothers when accompanied by a paying guest. Any paid youth, senior or adult admission ticket qualifies as the accompanying paid admission. This offer is valid Thursday, May 10 through Sunday, May 13, and is not valid with any other offers or discounts.

Known as the largest military invasion in world history, the Normandy Invasion came overnight with parachute and glider landings, naval bombardments, massive air attacks and amphibious beachfront assaults. Months in the making, it required the coordination of thousands of Allied Forces and was an operation so mammoth that once set in motion, there was no turning back.

Fantasy of Flight offers a series of progams from World War II and Vietnam featuring Heroes share their compelling personal accounts, as well as their family members and descendants, who are able to offer their own unique perspectives. The series also includes heroes from WWII who served on the ground protecting and supporting the men in flight.

"What better way to learn about one of the most historically significant battles in world history than from the men who were actually there," said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight.

"We are honored to be able to provide this living history forum to make sure these valuable lessons and stories will continue to be told for generations to come."

Upcoming events in the 2012 Legends & Legacies Symposium Series include: "Reflections of Vietnam," June 8-9 and "Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival," Oct. 12-13. Fantasy of Flight welcomes inquiries from all those who may be interested in participating in the symposium series.

The series events are included in the price of Fantasy of Flight general admission of $28.95 plus tax for adults, $14.95 plus tax for youth (age 6-12) and five and under are free with full paying adult. The symposiums are free for all Annual Pass holders. Group rates are available. Call 863-984-3500 or go to  www.fantasyofflight.com for more information.

General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen - They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) - A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year.

New at Fantasy of Flight this year is Wing WalkAir, a thrilling outdoor attraction featuring a 600-foot zip line suspended four stories above water and a three-level ropes course complete with 33 midair challenges to be performed while tethered to an overhead line at heights of up to 45 feet. Ideal for families, couples, student/youth groups or corporate groups seeking teambuilding opportunities, Wing WalkAir is the first attraction of its kind in Polk County, located midway between Tampa and Orlando. Admission is $22 for the zip line and ropes course or $15 for the zip line and $12 for the ropes course when purchased separately. Group rates are available. Fantasy of Flight admission is not required for entry to Wing WalkAir.

For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

Military discounts

Rosen Hotels & Resorts in Orlando has announced a special offer for U.S. Military this May — National Military Appreciation Month. It will last through June 30.

Active duty and retired U. S. Military including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and National Guard or Reservists can enjoy half-price accommodations off of the standard rack rate of $89.99 (a $45 military rate) and half-price off of buffet dining at Rosen Hotels & Resorts' four Orlando leisure properties - Quality Inn International, Rosen Inn closest to Universal, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando (all three ideally located along International Drive, in the tourist corridor) and Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista.

Moms and dads free

All mothers on Mother's Day and all fathers on Father's Day will be admitted free to the Orange County Regional History Center.  

Hours of operations both days this Sunday and Sunday,  June 17 are noon  to 5 p.m.

The Orange County Regional History Center, is 65 East Central Blvd., at the corner of Magnolia Avenue, downtown Orlando.

Parking is available in the Public Library parking garage on Central Boulevard.

Regular admission: adults $9, seniors (60+), students, and military with I.D. $7, and children ages 5-12 $6. Historical Society Members and children ages 4 and under are free.

The Orange County Regional History Center, housed in a restored historic five-story 1927 county courthouse in downtown Orlando, showcases the vast collection of the Historical Society of Central Florida, Inc.

The museum, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and accredited by the American Association of Museums, also presents nationally important limited-run exhibitions.

For more information visit www.thehistorycenter.org or call  407-836-8500.