EAA Airventure 2009: Grumman F6F Hellcat “Ace Maker”

Ready on the flight line.

Hellcat in flight.

Hellcat after landing.

EAA Airventure 2009: Chance Vought F4U Corsair

Great Warplanes Tribute Flight

A-10 Thunderbird II.

A-10 Thunderbird II in flight.

F-86 Saber, A-10 Thunderbird II, P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang.

During the salute to these great warplanes, I also kept on eye on the people around me.  A group of four stood about fifteen feet behind me; two boys, what I assumed was their father and their grandfather or perhaps great grandfather.  The grandfather looked old enough to have been part of the what I like to call the greatest generation.  You know, the generation that survived the Great Depression, fought World War II, drew the line against Communism, and eventually led us to the moon.  Some pretty tough folks to say the least.  He watched these planes fly-by along with the three others, and when they all had their backs turned to him, watching the planes, he reached up with his right index finger and wiped away a tear.