Sunday, May 10, 2015

the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover May 8 2015

On Friday, marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the European chapter of World War II, the skies over Washington DC were filled with beautiful old planes. They came in waves and the sound and sight of them was something to behold.

Link to a Washington Post article detailing the planes of the Flyover

The Washington Kayak Club had this event on our calendar for about a month prior. We some 20 paddlers met at Columbia Island Marina. We launched in two waves.



















One wave paddled up the Potomac from the Marina and the other wave took the Boundary Channel. We met where the Channel enters the Potomac. We waited for the planes just upriver of the Memorial Bridge.


















While waiting we took the photo op with the Lincoln Memorial.






We floated around, rafting up to share snacks and laughter.


























And finally, the planes came. I only had my phone and so did not get close ups, but I did okay. I really did not want to be glued to my electronics.















I thought about my grandpas while I waited for the planes. They were both part of the Great Generation. They both served during WW II. One was a flyer and the other was an infantryman, slogging his way across Europe. They have both passed in the last few years. But I felt very close to them this day.

My wish this day was that we citizens of the USA remember how great we are as a nation, when we set our differences aside and focus on the task at hand. Let us not be divided but instead united by our love of our country. Keep her fair and just, truly free, for the common good of all citizens. Just this one wish in this beautiful moment in time.

Yeah, I am getting a little misty-eyed.

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