The TBM Avenger Reunion just had its 2024 gathering on the 17th and 18th of May in the quiet town of Peru, Illinois. They play host to the largest gathering of these WWII torpedo bombers yearly, and in conjunction, honor the men who flew these aircraft back in WWII. It has flourished into honoring all veterans on the Saturday portion of the show with a veteran walk and a missing man formation from 4 TBM’s.
This event is strictly a warbird only event and is one of the best local air shows in the country for this reason. This year, Peru hosted eight TBM Avengers along with several other aircraft. Trainers included three Stearman along with a few different WWII trainers as well as the Titan Aerobatic Team in their T-6 Texans. One F4U-Corsair, a A-1 Skyraider, a B-25 Mitchell bomber, a C-45 Expeditor, and a C-47 Skytrain made up the rest of the piston/radial warbirds. One T-33 Shooting Star jet warbird was in attendance as well.
The atmosphere at this show is best explained by telling one to just attend once to truly understand. There is not one person that wants or complains about not having military jets there and are purely there to enjoy these warbirds and the men and women who served with them. The one thing I can say most people enjoy is the Twilight show. This year, Titan provided an aerial masterpiece while the TBM run-up is the highlight normally to end the Friday festivities. I say normally, but this year they introduced a firework display to end Friday. This is one event if you live anywhere close to Peru to attend and witness what this warbird excusive show has to offer!
