Unveiling of a state historical marker on the 300 block of E. Franklin Street in Chapel Hill

Saturday, September 30, 2 p.m.

In front of Spencer dormitory, corner of Franklin and Raleigh streets.

Brief program will include remarks by the Director of US Naval History and Heritage Command and greetings from the Provost of UNC-CH and Secretary of NC Department of Military and Veteran Affairs.

The US Navy Pre-flight School at Chapel Hill was one off only five such schools in the country during World War II, training 20,000 future pilots between 1942-45. It had a significant impact on the university and town both suffering financially from reduced wartime student enrollment. Three future US presidents and numerous notable sports figures spent time at Chapel Hill during this period. The school’s African American band represented a step in the integration of the armed forces.