A bit frail now, he doesn't speak and is removed from those around him.

He stands there looking up to this beast of the skies, emotions clearly visible on his face.

He is in another place, and there are no words. He has come to remember.

To remember a time that is rarely discussed, yet held dearly in his heart.

To remember those that were, and have gone before. To remember the insanity, yet the necessity.

And to share a moment, for perhaps one last time, with this magnificent lady of the skies.

Conceived of destruction, but so often the gentle lady that brought her children home against all odds.

If questioned, he will shun any limelight and simply say, "We did what we had to do".

That is the nature of this dying breed of true American hero.

Though their numbers ebb to the march of time, their sacrifice must remain etched in our being.

The world must never forget what these brave souls gave to us all.

Theirs is a gift that is eternal and to be cherished.

It is our obligation to keep their legacy for future generations, that they may gain some sense of it all.


This gallery follows one such veteran as he spends an afternoon with his memories and a B-17 called the "Nine O Nine".

My wife and I, with help from The Collings Foundation, were afforded the opportunity to make this happen for him.

There are also a couple of images of two fellow vets whom he met that day.

Thank you gentlemen, It's an honor.

If you care to view the news story of this day, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/1451232092/videos/298610601688370

If you care to view the story that led us to Hank, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/1451232092/videos/285383639861548/

Collings Foundation http://www.collingsfoundation.org/menu.htm

Collings Foundation Newsletter with an article about the theme of our adventure http://collingsfoundation.org/enews/enewsletter_July.10.htm