I spent this evening having dinner in a hanger at the Napa Airport with this B-17 bomber parked outside. Looking most spectacular, with the vine-laden Napa hills as a backdrop, this particular aircraft was delivered too late in 1945 to see action in World War II. It has however been on duty ever since as an airborne reminder of a great debt of gratitude we all owe to the nameless men and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. Present at the dinner were three WWII veterans looking rather hale and hearty, but sadly very much in the minority. I sat across from Deke...isn't that a great name? (I must admit that sometimes I feel like I'm in a John Wayne film.)As I feasted on BBQ ribs and beans, washed down with a hearty Napa Cabernet sauvignon, I periodically cast a glance outside to where the Aluminum Overcast was positively glowing in the setting California sun.
Remember, freedom isn't free.
8 comments:
Spiffing!
wow and you sat next to a guy named deke.
Speaking of history and important affairs of state, has Her Royal Majesty requested your appearance at Buckingham Palace for the purpose of forming a new government? I should dare say that if the world were led by vinowomen & vinomen might it not be a better place? (By the way, good news on one of the blocks of sad vines... looking a bit better today. Patience, I remind myself in winemaking & the vineyard, patience.)
Great reminder. Love the picture too.
We have 'Sally B' in the UK - but sadly, only two Lancasters. Saturday was VE Day of course.....not much celebrated in Britain, sad to say. However, it was celebrated in Russia with the inclusion for the first time of British, American, Polish and French forces. As it should be.
Sounds like a grand occasion with a beautiful view. :)
Thank you to everyone for commenting, it was a good evening for a good cause...and welcome Kristi.
Vinogirl, my father was in England during WWII, and was with the USAAC; he left me a few wonderful pictures. If I can locate some of them I'll e-mail them to you!
Thanks for being sensitive to this!
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