Modestly, graciously, the 58 year-old holder of virtually every record for flight in a light aircraft responded to the most dramatic expression of affection and esteem Winona has ever accorded a native son.

"I feel a little out of place up here," Conrad told the upwards of 15,000 persons who thronged the sun-baked airport for the rededication of the field in his honor.

Later, at Wednesday night’s Max Conrad Recognition Day banquet he smilingly protested, "it sounds like they’re trying to put me out to pasture and I don’t intend to go out to pasture yet."

• On his day he witnessed the formal naming of the municipal airport as Max Conrad Field.
• He received a commission as colonel in the United States Air Force.
• He was eulogized by high government officials, fellow airmen and longtime Winona friends.
• He was commended by the President of the United States.
• He saw 48 Minnesota youths enlisted in the Air Force in his name.
• And the Air Force put on a blue ribbon show in honor of the man for more than 34 years has dedicated himself to the advancement of aviation.

In response to these honors, Conrad commented, "…I should say I’m not worthy of this because I remember so many failures rather than the few successes you’re talking about today. And, there are so many things I want to do."

Wednesday’s Recognition Day events represented the fulfillment of a promise made to Conrad on a chilly afternoon last March when he returned to Winona after a record-shattering 8-day flight around the world.

At that time, William A. Galewski, assistant manager of the airport, said that sometime later in the year – on a date to be set by Conrad – a celebration would be arranged in his honor that would stand as "Winona’s best day… with generals, the governor … we’re even going to invite the President.

Yesterday turned out to be just that, except that the President couldn’t make it.

There were two generals, Gov. Elmer L. Anderson flew in Sens. Hubert Humphrey and Eugene McCarthy were represented and the Air Force sent its aerobatic jet team, The Thunderbirds, for a demonstration of precision flying at speeds ranging up to 650 miles an hour.

It was estimated that between 12,000 and 15,000 crowded onto the airport for the 2 ½-hour afternoon program while another 5,000 or more parked in cars in the immediate vicinity.

It Was ‘a Dream that Started it All’

It was "a dream that started it all," Max Conrad told an airport rededication audience Wednesday afternoon in commenting on his record flights in light planes.

Speaking at ceremonies at which the municipal airport was formally proclaimed Max Conrad Field, Conrad referred to the Winona Experiment, a program conceived by him several years ago to stimulate the interest of American youth in aviation.

"The Winona experiment was a cause worth fighting for, he said from the reviewing stand in front of the airport administration building.

"I made up my mind that I was going to get myself in a position to do more about it, "he continued, noting that for various reasons the program has not been active in recent years.

"I’m not promising anyone anything, but I have promised myself," he concluded in an expression of his determination that the experiment should be reactivated.

The renaming of the airport in Conrad’s honor was accomplished by the proclamation of Mayor R.K. Ellings during a half-hour platform program at which Air Force and governmental officials commented on Conrad’s achievements in aviation.

Mayor Ellings told the audience, "We are assembled here today to pay tribute to one of our native sons, Max Conrad, ambassador of goodwill, famous trans-Atlantic flyer, a man to whom records mean nothing except to be broken, a man of courage and integrity, one who firmly believes in the youth of America."

Gov. Elmer L. Andersen, who landed at the airport 15 minutes before the rededication ceremonies began, observed that he was sure "celebrations like this are not his (Conrad’s) favorite dish."

"But, I think, Max," the governor continued, "the people are entitled to one opportunity to show you what they think of what you’ve done."

The governor said that he was delighted to come to Winona and pay my personal respects to Max Conrad and express the great pride all Minnesota feels in what he has done."

Gov. Anderson described as "a remarkable coincidence" the fact that Conrad was born in 1903, the same year the Wright brothers were "opening the era of aviation" and that the Winona pilot’s interest in aviation became active in 1927 when Lindbergh made his history-making flight across the Atlantic.

In a light mood, the governor recalled that the first airplane Conrad purchased was wrecked in an accident and commented, "He’s been working ever since to pay off the mortgage on that first plane."

The airport rededication ceremonies, Gov. Andersen declared, "will stand as one of the great milestones in aviation development in Minnesota."

The governor and other visiting dignitaries were welcomed by D.B. Robinson, president of the Winona Chamber Commerce.

Among those on the reviewing stand was Maj. Gen. William K. Martin, Air Force deputy director of information, who flew here from Washington "to see Winona and pay tribute to a great airman and a great gentleman."

First Dist. Cong. Albert Quie, unable to attend the ceremonies, sent a telegram.

"The recognition you are receiving today," Cong. Quie observed," for your many years of service as a leading citizen of Winona, the state of Minnesota and your country is well deserved. I wish you continued success and happiness as you carry on your great work."

Some time ago the Winona Activity Group had commissioned a Winona artist, James F. Heinlen, to do an oil portrait of Conrad.

This was presented for hanging in the airport administration building by Jim Mohan, Activity Group president.

Although he wasn’t among the platform guests, William A. Galewski, assistant airport manager, was called out for "special honor to Mr. Airport. Because of his practically single-handed efforts we have an airport to dedicate and airline service at this airport."

Edward M. Allen, master of ceremonies for the program, said that Galewski "works in a quiet way but this help is always there when it’s needed."

Official certification of his record world flight was presented Conrad by William Ong, president of Ong Aircraft Corp., Kanas City, Mo., on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association.

Ong also read a letter from Jacqueline Cochrane, president of the national association who recently established a new record for women in a jet plane.

"We are so pleased," she concluded, "that the people of Winona have chosen naming their airport after Mr. Conrad. No other tribute would demonstrate so vividly Mr. Conrad’s contributions to and interest in aviation."

The rededication ceremonies were preceded by a concert by the Strategic Air Command band and followed by administration of oaths of service to 48 members of the Max Conrad AeroSpace Team who had enlisted for four-year tours of duty with the Air Force.