Wednesday, June 18, 2008

A Long But Fun Day With My Grandson

Today my grandson and I ventured across the Narrows Bridge to the Narrows Airport.  The reason; the "Wings of Freedom Tour 2008."   There were supposed to be four planes but after 4 hours of waiting only three of the planes had arrived.  It was exciting to see these vintage planes circling the field as they came in for a landing. 

The first place to arrive was a B-17 Flying Fortress, the second plane was a B-25 Mitchell and finally a snappy little P-51 Mustang buzzed the field and landed.  They were also expecting a B-24 Liberator but it didn't come while we were there.  We hung around until 6pm and it was getting to be dinner time....so we reluctantly left for home.

Among the crowd was a Tuskegee Airman and his wife.  And another Tuskegee Airman flew in on the P-51.  There was also a local multi-tribe Native American Honor Guard.  They did a 21 gun salute and a blessing of the planes.  It was a very touching ceremony.  These dear veterans travel around the area and provide Honor Guard services at funerals for local veterans.  All of them had served either in the Korean War and/or Vietnam and all had been officers.  There was also one lady, Peggy, who had been a combat nurse in Viet Nam.

Some of the pictures I've included are not that great.  It was very overcast and gloomy for most of the day. Then the sun came out with a vengeance and I actually got sunburned. I think if you look at them in the "large" format they may show up better.

The "Wings of Freedom Tour 2008" may be coming to an airport near you.  Check their web site for fly-in information; http://www.cfdn.org/cf_schedule-wof.htm .

I'm so glad my grandson had a desire to see these planes today...because otherwise I never would have taken the time to go see them.   It was such a wonderful experience. 

I'm including a short video in the next entry....

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can see what you mean ,because of your Grandsons desire to see this spectacle you got to see some thing really iteresting that you might not otherwise have thought of going to see ,Thankyou for sharing ,..love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

sounds like you had a lovely time with your grandson. great pics! the planes look amazing, i bet it was amazing to see them up close. take care mrs t xx

Anonymous said...

Linda Loved the pictures ~ I would really have liked to join you on your trip ~ I love anything to do with vintage aircraft ~ glad you and your Grandson had such a good day ~ Ally x

Anonymous said...

Great pics.  :)
Happy to hear you & Gson & such a nice time.
Hugs,
Sugar

Anonymous said...

i enjoyed your pix and it sounds like you and gson had a wonderful day.  i like looking at those old planes.  liked that old car too!!  :)
gina

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed your pictures.  It sounds like a great day spent with your grandson - what a cool thing to do with him.  
Lisa

Anonymous said...

this would have been a fun thing to do!! must have been pretty impressive to see those old planes flying in! I would have enjoyed it for sure!

what a neat way to get to see some history and spend time with your grandson :)

the pictures looked great!

betty

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great day!
Traci

Anonymous said...

Cool!  I had to giggle when I saw all the people wearing jackets in JUNE!  :)

Anonymous said...

Linda, a day with the grandson is always a nice day well spent. I wasn't aware that they were still flyuing WWII planes, Bill

Anonymous said...

Oh you made some  nice memories for your grandson..planes are so interesting, just the history of flying.....love, Sandi

Anonymous said...

Hi Linda,  I liked the video ofthe Honor Guard.  I have a soft spot for marching and parade formations and things along those lines.  What kind of Camera do you use for videos?  I have been thinking of getting one of those flip cameras.  Is that what you use?                Marlene
      http://journals.aol.com/domsmom27/one-day-at-a-time

Anonymous said...

I bet he was thrilled.

Anonymous said...

What a fun day!
The P 51 is hubby's favorite...
Linda :)

Anonymous said...

That must have been a real thrill!  I love those old planes, too.
thanks for beautiful pictures.
Hugs, Kathy