You may recall last year's Memorial Day post about the B-24 flying over B'game, my lack of a camera to catch it and veterans in general and my Dad in particular.  With everything that has gone on since last Memorial Day, I decided this was the year to not just view the WWII planes at Moffett Field, but go for a ride in one.  The Collings Foundation was more than happy to accommodate me with a B-17 flight yesterday and I was thrilled to see an Army Air Corps pilot show up in full uniform.  He was at least 90 years old and the uni still fit.  Impressive.  Here's the Flying Fortress and the view out of the bombardier's seat in the nose.

From the Collings website:

Over Sixty years ago they flew from bases far from home, over occupied and enemy territory in an attempt to weaken the forces of evil so that freedom could once again return to the people who it was stolen from. Their endurance was tested on missions of ten or more hours, day after day; their strength was proven as they returned countless crews safely back to their bases. Crews counted on them and a bond was made between man and machine…

Indeed.  Please take some time to remember what Memorial Day is all about.