"Pictures don't do it justice:" Wings of Freedom exhibit showcases WWII-era aircraft in Waukesha
WAUKESHA -- An impressive World War II display flew into Waukesha during the final weekend in July -- and the traveling museum is helping to preserve the history of the war-time effort.
"Pictures don't do it justice," Loren Graham of Caledonia said.
Wings of Freedom exhibit in Waukesha
"I don't know how the hell they built some of them -- because it's pretty tight in there," Norman Graham said.
"To hear the planes fire up and hear the engine is phenomenal," Loren Graham said.
Wings of Freedom exhibit in Waukesha
"Wings of Freedom" is a traveling museum, featuring planes flown during World War II by the greatest generation.
"We got to airfield to airfield -- about 110 cities a year," Elaine Weigandt said.
Wings of Freedom exhibit in Waukesha
Two World War II-era bombers flew into the Waukesha County Airport on Friday, July 29th for a three-day showcase.
"Like they say -- to experience them up close and to see what it must have been like back then," Loren Graham said.
Wings of Freedom exhibit in Waukesha
Graham drove up from Caledonia with his father -- a Korean War veteran who served in the Army's tank division.
"I'm always amazed at the size of these things -- that they can actually fly," Norman Graham said.
Wings of Freedom exhibit in Waukesha
Norman Graham said he sometimes worries about the physics of it all.
"Some of these things weigh more than a tank. You don't see a tank flying," Norman Graham said.
The showcase also featured a P-51 fighter plane, which the Horman family was excited to see. Jim Horman's late father-in-law flew a Mustang in the war.
Wings of Freedom exhibit in Waukesha
"56 missions," Jim Horman said.
The Wings of Freedom exhibit serves as a unique teaching tool.
Wings of Freedom exhibit in Waukesha
"The younger generation is not aware of so much of this history," Weigandt said.
The exhibit is powerful not just when it comes to the way these machines performed during the war, but also in the way it is impacting lives 75 years later.
Wings of Freedom exhibit in Waukesha