Memorial Day in Pensacola, Fl is bitter sweet as we commenorate our fallen military members on this special day. Veterans Groups will be out in full force with ceremonies, flying flags, reunion parties, and quite a few tears.
Pensacola is the home of naval aviation training; every pilot who has ever flown for the United States Navy or Marine Corp has fought their first battle in our town as they go through Aviation Officer Candidate School. Most aviators and their families hold sweet memories of Pensacola and thousands make a special effort to come back for reunions and special events.
Backed by private donations, as well as public support, Naval Air Station is home to one of the finest aviation museums in the world, I believe second only to the Smithsonian's air museum in Washington, D.C. My husband and I took house guests one day and before we knew it, we had spent six hours in the museum and did not realize it. Believe me, when I spend six hours somewhere, I usually know it very well. There are so many interesting displays, one gets lost in time. George W. Bush, Sr.s plane from his glory days is there as well as a mockup of the hootch where Senator John McCain spent his Viet Nam prisoner of war days; his clothes are there -- this part does not take long to see. Walk on replica of air craft carrier deck, test your flying skills in simulator (same machine training pilots use), enjoy IMAX movie, or belly up to the original bar from Phillipines' Cubie Point Officers Club where light lunches and drinks are served for lunch. Best chili in Pensacola area in my opinion.
On this Memorial Day weekend Pensacola will usher hundreds of visitors through the museum which has no admission fee.
I hope each and every active rain member will fly their flags with pride this weekend and every day.
Later,
Your Pensacola Girl
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