Under their Wings.

Jones beach, Long Island N.Y.
Traffic was thick. Getting through the tolls was a nightmare. Parking was slim. The walk was long. And once at the boardwalk it was chaos. People were bumping into each other trying to buy souvenirs, An Italian sausage, Or a hot dog before the 10am start of the United States Air Force Thunder birds Air show. My son, Brother and I were quickly swallowing a hot dog when the announcer came on and requested a moment of silence for the national anthem, And but for a few children running around the chaos came to a screeching halt. The song played over the loud speaker, and as I looked around I saw heads down, Eyes closed, Hands on hearts, And lips mouthing the words to the beautiful song. It was a sight I will not soon forget if ever! But what i was about to see in the next few hours was amazing. And what I was about to feel was quite simply overwhelming!

The show started with stunt planes, where the pilots put on an amazing show. tumbling through the air, And nose diving toward the water only to pull up and perform another amazing stunt. Then the Canadian Jets came on to stun the crowd. Flying in great formation, they were impressive to say the least. Then a helicopter that performed stunts that I was not aware a helicopter was capable of doing. And to end his performance the helicopter pilot took a bow, With the helicopter! The crowd loved it.

And after a few more planes and a few more stunts, it was time.

The crowd of thousands became quiet. We came to our feet and looked inland with anticipation for we knew what was coming. Or rather, who was coming. It was silent but for the waves behind us and the sound of seagulls looking for their next meal. And then they came. Seemingly out of nowhere, The Thunder birds screamed overhead in perfect formation. The crowd cheered. as did I. It didn't hit me yet. It wasn't until the six fighter jets raced past for the second time that the feeling started resonating within. The sun glistened on the wings of the shiny read white and blue jets. And with great precision it was clear. We were safe.

And as a lone jet buzzed the crowd, The furious rumble of the superior engine sparked pride.
And at the same time it humbled me. Here they are, The United States Air Force, Putting on a show for US! As if what they do already isn't enough! I couldn't help but think of how lucky we are to live in a country where Pilots in the United States Air Force not only volunteer to fight for us, and keep us safe, but come to entertain us on a holiday weekend. I was blown away by that very thought. We are without a doubt Lucky to live in this great country, And even more so to have men like these protecting us.

The show was almost over, and it was time to go, the great Thunder birds performed their last stunts while "God Bless America" echoed over the loud speaker. I took one more look around, then I looked down at my son, and asked him if he enjoyed the show, He did.

There was only one more place to look after that, And only one more thing to say.
That place was up.
That thing was thank you God for blessing us with this country, And the Brave men and women who protect it!

Celebrate Memorial day!
Celebrate our Heroes!