MARIETTA - The Strand Theatre will be awash in patriotism at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 when Cobb dignitaries, military leaders, a Hollywood actor, musicians and local authors join forces to salute the military.

Hearts for Heroes is a one-night fundraiser and celebration of the military's role in shaping the development of north Georgia.

The fundraiser will support the aviation wing of the Marietta Museum of History.

The evening will culminate by recognizing military personnel in Cobb. Attendees are encouraged to dress for a 1940s show to join in the evening's fun.

"We're trying to do a broad base look at honoring the military," said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Alan Price, event chairman.

Among the scheduled presenters will be actor Dennis Haysbert of the TV series "The Unit" and "24." Retired U.S. Army Command Master sgt. Eric Haney, author of "Inside Delta Force"; retired Navy Adm. Jim Ellis, a Marietta High School graduate; and Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard, will also give presentations.

In addition, Bob Ormsby, retired Lockheed Marietta chief, and George Berry, former head of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, are among special guests. A group of soldiers will be recognized for their service during the program as well, Price said.

In between segments of the program will be musical performances by the Memory Lane jazz ensemble, Vintage Vocals and Katie Kasben.

The Marietta Museum of History's board voted in December to acquire the assets of the shuttered Aviation Museum and Discovery Center.

The aviation wing of the MMH now has plans to showcase six airplanes, interactive exhibits and educate young people, said Dan Cox, MMH founder.

"Aviation in Cobb County has over the past 67 years totally revolutionized not only the economy in Cobb County, but also transformed Georgia and the entire southeast as well," said Cobb native and banker Joe Daniell, who has been involved in the effort to bring an aviation museum to Cobb.

"The C-130 Hercules is the longest production military aircraft in world aviation history and they have all been manufactured here in Marietta."

In addition, the continuous production of airlift capability from Georgia continues to be a leader in humanitarian relief efforts around the globe.

"A great history to commemorate and salute."

Tickets for the event may be purchased online at www.earlsmithstrand.org. Admission is $30 and donations are encouraged. An after party hosted by former Governor Roy Barnes and his wife at their Whitlock Avenue home in Marietta is sold out, organizers said. It begins at 9:30 p.m.

Barnes and Cobb Chairman Sam Olens are serving as the event's honorary co-chairs.