My Memorial Day column

[Rocky Raab]

As coincidence would have it, our city is being visited this week by not one but two different flying B-17s.

The first one leaves today and the second one arrives tomorrow. They allow unlimited ramp pictures, a small fee for a walk-through of the plane, and 40-minute rides for $200.

I went yesterday (had to swallow hard to NOT take a ride) but took pictures.

While I was snapping away, a petite lady walked up to me and asked if I knew anything about this plane.

Then she asked if this was one that was used in the war. By her white hair, I didn't have to ask which war, and said "Yes, it certainly did."

Then she got a bit bright-eyed and said, "Then maybe I've seen it before, from my home...in France. They flew over by the thousands."

I turned to her and said, "Then you must appreciate this plane more than the rest of us. It gave you your freedom."

She just nodded, and then she squeezed my hand gently.

She didn't have a camera with her, but she does have an address. She'll get some of my pictures. It's the least I can do.