‘Vintage Warbird Expo’ & Airshow This Week At Tyler Airport

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This week, we celebrate the birthday of our beloved America. From the beginning we have been a people who fight for freedom. For our own and for those all over the world. We will gather together with our family and communities and celebrate in a variety of ways--with fireworks, food, and friends. I'd like to let you know about a couple of other incredible events you may want to add to your agenda.

Although we can look to many examples throughout our nation's history through which we have fought for freedom, one of the most nostalgic for many of us alive today is the struggle of WWII. One of the key ways freedom prevailed during this epic struggle was with the help of our magnificent warbirds and their courageous crew members.

This weekend at the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum at Tyler-Pounds Regional Airport, you're invited to the official kick-off of the "Vintage Warbird Expo." Tour The Magnificent 7, including a B-17 Flying Fortress, A-26 Invader, C-45, T-6 Texan, SB2C, N3N, and B-25 Mitchell.

Touring times are Thursday, July 4 from 1 to 4 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 5, 6, and 7. There are also opportunities to take the "Living History Flight Experience" and take flight in these skyward vessels of history. For flight reservations call 855-FLY-A-B17 or visit B17texasraiders.org. Donations from the proceeds from these flights will be given to both the Cedar Creek Veterans' Foundation and the Historical Aviation Memorial Museum in Tyler.

Several years ago, I had the distinct privilege of going up in one of these warbirds, and I tell ya, it was an experience unlike any I've ever had. You really get a sense of the power and the history--it was incredible. I highly recommend it.

In conjunction with the "Vintage Warbird Expo," make plans to attend the "Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake Airshow" on Saturday night, July 6 at twilight. For more info and tickets to this extraordinary event, visit cclairshow.com.

What a glorious way to celebrate America. Hope to see you at the expo and the airshow!

Video credit to Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake Airshow published by Swivel Interactive. Feature photo credit: Photographer Phil McKenna, from B17texasraiders.org.