The Pan Am Museum Foundation, in collaboration with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, is proud to present Operation Babylift: A Celebration of the Human Spirit. This commemorative event, taking place on April 24th at 6 PM EDT, will honor the 50th anniversary of one of the most significant humanitarian airlifts in history.
Hosted at the Pan Am Museum within the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, New York, this special evening will bring together adoptees, adoptive parents, Pan Am staff, U.S. veterans, medical professionals, and others who played a role in the daring evacuation of Vietnamese orphans during the closing days of the Vietnam War. In 1975, U.S. President Gerald R. Ford authorized this extraordinary mission, ensuring the safe passage of thousands of orphans to new homes in the United States and beyond.
The Leadership of President Gerald R. Ford
President Ford was instrumental in the success of Operation Babylift. As the fall of Saigon loomed, he authorized the evacuation of thousands of vulnerable Vietnamese orphans, describing the mission as a “matter of conscience” and a reflection of America’s humanitarian values. Despite daunting logistical and political obstacles, Ford’s decisive leadership ensured the mission’s success, saving countless lives and inspiring a global humanitarian response.
“Operation Babylift exemplifies the very best of what humanity can achieve when faced with adversity,” said Gleaves Whitney, Executive Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. “President Ford’s unwavering commitment to compassion and action during one of history’s most challenging moments reflects the enduring values of integrity, courage, and service that we continue to celebrate. This reunion not only honors the past but also inspires us to carry forward the mission of helping those in need.”
Special Guests and Highlights
Among the distinguished guests will be Al Topping, Pan Am’s Director of South Vietnam and Cambodia during the operation, along with members of his Saigon team, pilots, and flight attendants who coordinated the historic flights. Pan American World Airways played a critical role in this effort, providing two Boeing 747 jumbo jets to facilitate the evacuation.
One of these aircraft was chartered by The Holt Adoption Agency, while the other was arranged by Robert Macauley of Connecticut, who mortgaged his home to raise $50,000 after being moved by the tragedy of a C-5A Galaxy crash. Macauley’s selfless actions ultimately led to the establishment of the global humanitarian organization AmeriCares.
“Fifty years ago, Operation Babylift was a story of hope amid chaos,” said Al Topping. “To see these children—now thriving adults—reunited with those who shared this extraordinary journey is profoundly moving. It reminds us of the enduring power of compassion and doing what’s right, even in the face of immense challenges.”
Also joining the event will be Peter Greenberg, multiple
Emmy Award-winning journalist, television producer and the travel editor for CBS News. Greenberg hasalso reported for NBC’s Today, CNBC, MSNBC, and Good Morning America. A frequent Pan Am passenger throughout his journalism career
, Greenberg won an Emmy for his 1984 ABC segment on ABC News 20/20: “What happened to the Children? which investigated the C5A Galaxy crash
, which followed up on the lives of Operation Babylift children who survived the tragedy.
A Night to Remember
The evening will be a special moment of hearfeltreunions, testimonials, and reflections on the enduring legacy of Operation Babylift. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation emphasizes the mission’s historical significance as a testament to courage and compassion during a tumultuous time.
Reflections from the Pan Am Museum Foundation
“Operation Babylift is a profound chapter in both Pan Am’s history and global humanitarian efforts,” said Linda Freire, Board Chair of the Pan Am Museum Foundation and a former Pan Am flight attendant. “As someone who wore the Pan Am uniform, I’m immensely proud to honor the flight crews, volunteers, and adoptees whose courage and resilience remind us of the extraordinary impact compassion can have on the world.”
Adoptee Perspective
Carol Mason, one of the babies evacuated during Operation Babylift and now an adult living in the tri-state area, shared her gratitude: “I owe my life to the compassionate partners in this operation and the people who made it possible. It’s surreal to think about how a decision made half a century ago shaped my entire future. This reunion isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about celebrating the connections, journeys, and possibilities that grew from something so extraordinary.”
Event Details and Tickets
Tickets for the event are $75 per person and include dinner and complimentary beer and wine.
