Wings Over the Rockies

Monday was Memorial Day, 2009. A day to honor those who gave up all their tomorrows for our today and to thank those who still serve. I didn't spent any time in the military, but am incredibly greatful to those who have and those who do, including my father and my eldest nephew among others.

After knocking down some yard work in the morning, I thought it would be fun to trek across town to the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Aurora, CO. I hadn't been to visit since its grand opening many years before. The museum is located in one of the hangars which used to make up Lowry Air Force base in days bygone, near the old Denver Stapleton Airport. Today, both are overgrown with housing subdivisions. However, Wings Over the Rockies has a B-52 parked in front of it, so it definitely stands apart from the rest of the 'hood!

Since Colorado ranks second in the union in aerospace industry activity, the museum has quite a nice display of rocketry and NASA-related historical information. That was interesting, of course, but as an airplane guy, getting to the collection of general aviation and military aircraft was the high point of my visit. From the Beech 18 and Adam 500 through the F4U Corsair, B-1, and F-14 Tomcat - and plenty in between, it was a great stroll through a large hangar, drinking in the aviation history and lore.

For less than the price of a movie theater ticket, you can get lost for an afternoon in the museum, pouring through all the aviation and aerospace information you like while shuffling up close and personal with a wonderful variety of aircraft. The displays are in fine shape, the volunteers helpful, the crowds relatively sparse, and the souvenir shop right handy on the way out the door (I picked up a pair of miniature aircraft models for office decor.). All of which make for a marvelous way to spend the day - particularly one honoring the men and women who flew many of the aircraft on display.