Air Force Museum

This is the reason the last quiz was dedicated to my favorite military chaplain. Mark is doing his summer reserve duty at Wright-Patterson AFB this year, located a scant 4 1/2 hour drive from our home. We went over to see him at the beginning of the week (just a short overnight) and our visit included a couple hours at the National Air Force Museum.

It was cool-- a fascinating tour thorugh the history of aviation, as well as the military use thereof. We saw only a small portion of the planes exhibited there (the place is huge!), took turns sitting in an F-16 cockpit (pilots are small people-- I fit just fine, as did our 5'1" daughter), and enjoyed a simulator ride in some jet whose letters I do not at present recall.

Being the sewing geek that I am, I think this was my favorite item on display: An absolutely enormous quilt, assembled in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Air Force. You can read more about its construction here. It is a gorgeous piece of needlework.

I know there are those among my readers who deplore the use of any sort of military force, and who would likely not consider this display... well, attractive. Truth be told, there is often much about that stance with which I agree. At the same time, this is a legitimate part of our nation's history and culture, and I think denying the positive effects that have come from the defense of this country is as shortsighted and inaccurate as anything coming out of the more hawkish crowd.

I'm glad we went.