Up in the Air

Let’s face it, many special events are not going to fit within the image Daytona Beach has created for itself.  Yet if you look beyond Spring Break  and motorcycle events (which includes Biketoberfest starting this Thursday), you see the area has certain unique features that stand out. One of those is the very specialized and highly respected Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  And this past weekend,  Embry-Riddle brought something to the Daytona Beach area that has sorely been missing.

The Wings and Waves Air Show was held on both Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m until 4:00 p.m.  With our  chairs, towels and cooler, we settled in to a wonderful spot on the beach behind the Hilton Hotel and awaited the show to begin. With perfect October weather and an outgoing tide, we couldn’t have asked for a better day.

Starting  off the event was Cheryl Stearns, the “most successful competitive skydiver in the world”, parachuting in with the American and Canadian flags. 

Then came a full line-up of planes, both old and new.  A unique highlight of the day consisted of the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight.  A WWII era P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft was joined in formation by the F-16 Viper and the newest fighter aircraft, the F-22 Raptor.

Heritage P-51 Mustang, F-16 Viper and F-22 Raptor

A close up view makes them look like toys.

The spectacular grand finale was provided by The Canadian Snowbirds Jet Demonstration Team, composed of serving members of the Canadian Forces.

Canadian Snowbirds Jet Demonstration Team

At a time when it’s easy to become discouraged by the direction America has been taking – selfishness, greed, irresponsibility, victim mentality – events like this remind me of what America is, and can be. Strong, smart, innovative, and inventive. And I’m not just referring to the military, but to what America has been in the past, and still is today. I am so thankful we still have curious men and women who aren’t afraid to work hard and make the world a more interesting place.  And I’m proud to know that many of those men and women start out right here in Daytona Beach.