More than 3,000 people turned up for the free activities at Flabob Airport that honored America’s veterans.
The day was a busy one, according to airport officials, who note the flight line quickly filled up with aircraft, including a number of warbirds from the Planes of Fame Museum and Classic Rotors. A pair of F-16s did a fly-over and the T-34 Missing Man Formation also flew over.
Five bands, including one from the U.S. Navy, the Riverside bagpipe band, two groups that represented the big band era and a polka band, provided music throughout the day. There were stand-up comedians, impersonators of Groucho Marx, Elvis Presley and the Andrew Sisters.
A large number of restored military vehicles turned up, many of which were incorporated in the annual Parade of Veterans. Re-enactors staged military conflicts while local army recruiters set up six simulators of military equipment. Five vendors served food, including a replica World War II chow hall that offered spam and S.O.S.
Rides were offered all day in a three biplanes and a J-3 Cub. Proceeds from the flights will be used to keep the “Flabob Express,” a DC-3, flying.
The highlight of the day consisted of speeches in honor of the vets that were delivered by SR-71 pilot, Major General Pat Halloran (ret.) and Thomas Wathen, who created the Wathen Foundation.
Flabob will host another celebration in 2010 on Saturday, Nov. 6.
For more information: Flabob.org.
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