A remarkable day

This weekend we have the joy of being with Jake and Sarah - our family is complete together for the first time!  As usual, the kids immediately fell comfortably in place with Jack and George and were very loving of their new little brother.  Here are some fun family photos!

What made this day extra special was an event happening at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force here in Dayton.  In 1942, just after America was reeling from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 80 brave men under the command of Lt Col Jimmy Doolittle did the unthinkable:  they used land-based B-25 bomber planes to take off from Naval aircraft carriers to conduct a bombing raid on the cities of Tokyo, Yokohama, Yokosuka, Nagoya and Kobe.  Strategically, the attack wasn't a huge blow to the Japanese military forces.  However, it was a devastating psychological blow and it boosted American morale considerably.  The brave men had to drop their bombs then fly on to crash landings or bail-outs over China and even Russia.  The cost was high.  Two crewmen drowned off the coast of China.  One died when he bailed out.  The Japanese captured eight airmen and then executed three.  Another died in captivity.  The remaining survivors were hailed as heroes. 

Each year, the surviving members of the Doolittle Raiders meet to have a drink of special cognac and toast their fallen comrades.  We've seen the cognac and glasses at the museum, each one turned upside down as they pass away.  There are four glasses left - four men, now in their 90s.  Three of them gathered today at the museum for their final toast.  (The other member was unable to attend due to illness.)  It was so moving to see thousands of people arrive and line the street to see these heroes and honor their brave act.  Our family was there - braving the cold wind - to capture a moment of history and pay tribute to the crewmembers. 

 Here is Richard Cole, co-pilot to Jimmy Doolittle:

 Edward Saylor:

 And David Thatcher:

 After the parade and arrival of the Raiders, there was a memorial service (which we were too far away from to enjoy) and then we were treated to a fly over of five B-25 Mitchell Bombers!  They did a missing man formation and one flew away from the rest to honor the fallen airmen.

It was really a special day - one worth braving the cold and crowds for.  We are proud that all of our children will be able to say they saw three of these men.  What a wonderful way to get ready for Veteran's Day!