Wings of Freedom

B-24 Bomber -nicknamed the B-24 Liberator by the British
"the Flying Fortress" ( the only flying one in the world )


B-17 Bomber


I have always loved the Fourth of July. It is a time of year to really reflect on the amazing freedoms that we as Americans enjoy. We have SOOOOOOO many more blessings than most of the rest of the world. There are so many "rights" that we take for granted, and after such a trying year in the rest of the world, it really can hit home what we need to be grateful for. I was able to take the boys to the "Wings of Freedom" exhibit out at the airport the other day. It had 6 different airplanes on display from WWII. The boys absolutely loved seeing all of the planes up close, but also we were able to be there when two P-51 Mustangs did a fly-by then landed in front of us! These older planes definitely don't run quite like the new ones:) Seeing these planes, (which types were largely responsible for the victories in WWII) was a really cool moment. It really makes you think. This year has been a tough one for many people in the USA and worldwide, but something like this makes you remember that it really has been so much worse. People have handled things far tougher, literally life and death, with amazing amounts of honor and courage. On the sides of both of the big restored airplanes were listed all of the fallen and distinguished crew. There were also little bombs painted for every successful bomb /mission dropped. There were a lot, of both names and bombs. I think about how much courage and bravery these missions must have taken. I am in awe, and I want to say THANK YOU to all the service men and women who have both fought and died for our country. I have seen firsthand some of the horrifying effects of WWII, and I am extremely proud that we as Americans came to their aid. I am proud, that we as Americans are willing to fight for the greater good, and to lay down our lives when needed to protect the cause of Freedom. It was an emotional experience the other day. There were many veterans there. I was able to observe them standing there staring at those planes. They just stood there thinking to themselves. I can only imagine the memories they were thinking of. There were also several little booths set up by veterans as well. The picture of Porter at the bottom was at one of these, looking at the type of gun and bullets that was used by British Commandos to rescue this gentleman's father, who had been shot down behind German lines. His crew had all been presumed dead, and he had the "letter" there to show people. Amazingly his father was rescued. The bullets were half as big as Porter's arm. It was amazing. What a good experience for both me and the boys.