Cathedral to Honor WW1 Flying Ace Norman Prince on Centennial of His Death

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Monday, September 26, 2016

CONTACT:

Natalie Longwell, West End Strategy Team, (202) 776-7700, [email protected]

 

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

National Cathedral to Honor World War I Flying Ace

Norman Prince on Centennial of His Death

Prince was One of the First Americans to Volunteer for Service in World War I, Considered One of the Godfathers of the U.S. Air Force

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the 100th anniversary of his death, World War I Flying Ace Norman Prince will receive a hero’s celebration at the Washington National Cathedral where he is entombed in the Chapel of St. John. The special service, to be held in the Cathedral’s Great Choir on Friday, October 14, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. ET, will honor Prince’s legacy and commitment in the presence of his family and special guests.

Prince, considered one of the godfathers of the U.S. Air Force, was one of the first Americans licensed to fly a plane and was a practicing lawyer in Chicago when he conceived of the idea of forming an all-American squadron of flyers to assist the French Foreign Legion during World War I. Squadron 124 was officially commissioned on April 16, 1916, almost a full year before the United States joined the Allied forces.

Prince died in October 1916, following a crash on his return from an aerial encounter with the enemy. At the time of his death, Prince had engaged in 122 aerial engagements with the enemy and was credited with bringing down five planes in battle.

“Norman Prince is a shining example of the courage millions of American soldiers have demonstrated during times of war and the debt we owe to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom,” said the Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, dean of Washington National Cathedral.

The service honoring Prince is open to the public and media are invited to attend. The event will be held in conjunction with the World War I Centennial Commission. The Cathedral has hosted previous World War I commemorations, beginning in 2014 with a special prayer service to mark the centennial anniversary of the start of World War I.

WHAT: Service Honoring World War I American War Hero Norman Prince

WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW

Media interested in covering the service honoring Norman Prince at Washington National Cathedral should contact Natalie Longwell, West End Strategy Team at 202-776-7700 or via email at [email protected].

 

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Washington National Cathedral is a house of prayer for all people called to serve as a spiritual home for the nation. It seeks to be a catalyst for spiritual harmony in our nation, reconciliation among faiths, and compassion in our world. Learn more at www.cathedral.org.