Stansted Airport opens WW2 memorial plaque

15/07/2009

Stansted Airport has proclaimed its wartime heritage with a new memorial plaque, it has been reported.

A group of four war veterans from the US attended the unveiling of the monument, which is dedicated to all those who lost their lives during the Second World War.

The ex-soldiers were members of Easy Company's 2nd Battalion of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment and were the original inspiration for the Steven Spielberg TV drama Band of Brothers.

Stewart Wingate, managing director of Stansted Airport, commented that he was happy to have such "brave and distinguished service personnel" at the air hub.

"Stansted is very proud of its long and illustrious past and the critical role the airfield played during World War Two as a US Army Air Force base," Mr Wingate added.

The airport is Britain's third busiest, offering flights to 160 destinations in more than 30 countries worldwide.