Doolittle's Raid was the first American strike on Japanese turf during WWII. It was made by 16 B-25s. There were 80 men that participated in this strike, and most of them made it back. The mission was to cause the Japanese to re-evaluate their power, and to boost American morale. It was a success on both fronts. You can read more about it here.
Every year, they have a reunion at WPAFB--now for the 5 men left that are left out of the 80. Each year, on reunion weekend, they fly B-25s again. It's quite a sight - one that the boys and I were lucky enough to see (Rob was away--TDY). The airstrip they used is right across from Base Housing, so it was an easy view for us. After seeing them all take off they came back and did a couple flyovers, too.
What a scene to witness. It got me a little choked up -- thinking of the many who have sacrificed for our country in so very many ways. I love this country, and I'm incredibly grateful for the freedoms we've been granted, and the men and families that sacrifice to sustain those divinely inspired freedoms.
Here are some of the photos I got from the afternoon.
2 comments:
that is so cool. i love things like taht. i always get choked up at flyovers and things like that. 4th of july parade, that's what gets me everytime. i love it.
that's an awesome tradition too.
ditto, ditto
Flyovers choke me up every time.
That is a great piece of history you were able to witness. I'm so glad we saw the display and the toasting goblets in that amazing museum.
Thanks for sharing.
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