Your team: Sunday is Wayne County’s chance to see airmen fly

The Home Team.

When you read that’s what the members of the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base F-15E demonstration team consider themselves, it should make you feel kind of proud.

This group of men has been working pretty hard to put together a program for their debut at this weekend’s Wings Over Wayne show.

It will not be the first time anyone has seen the adrenaline-filled show, but Sunday’s performance will still be special, the crew says.r

After all, they will be performing for their hometown for the first time.

Many Wayne County residents have been aware that there is a demonstration team here. They hear the rumblings and probably — a few — have even met the crew who will perform Sunday.

But to see the show, up, close and personal — and to know it is our airmen who are completing the intricate moves to the heart-pumping music — that’s a thrill that should not be missed.

There are lots of reasons to head to the Wings Over Wayne shows Sunday. There will be history to relive, planes to marvel at — and, the Thunderbirds and the Golden Knights.

But nothing will be as special as the moment when thousands of people get to see the team that calls this community home.

But it will not be the only reason to be proud.

There are thousands of men and women who serve with the U.S. Air Force all across the world. Some of our airmen will not be home to see the show this weekend because they have a much more important job to do — protect this country and to bring freedom to people thousands of miles away.

And don’t think for one minute that the men and women who will perform their aerial shows this weekend have forgotten just who they are representing when they don those uniforms and climb into those cockpits.

And we shouldn’t either.

Come out this weekend to support the base and to show the airmen and other performers that Wayne County really knows how to host a party.

But as the flag passes by or you hear “The Star Spangled Banner”, take a moment to think about those who are serving or have served to protect this nation.

Their sacrifices, and those of their families, should not be forgotten — even when we are celebrating.

And don’t forget to cheer extra loud, too, when your home team flies over.

Published in Editorials on October 13, 2006 11:13 AM