There Are Never Enough Opportunities To Thank Those Who Served -- Even At Oshkosh!

The folks who tend to flock to Oshkosh are some of the most patriotic we know... and when Oshkosh gets even more patriotic than normal, it is a site to behold... this year was NO exception.

As part of this year's event, 'The Big O' hosted its own celebration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation -- featuring the largest collection of naval aircraft spanning all eras ever assembled in one location, plus many of the veterans who flew them, as part of its Tier 1 event status from the US Navy for the year-long centennial festivities. Featured naval aircraft were parked on ConocoPhillips Plaza as well as a special parking area dubbed "NAS Oshkosh" near Scotts Warbird Alley all week, in addition to hundreds of rare, legendary aircraft from all military branches.

Best of all, though, all veterans in attendance on Friday, July 29th were encouraged to participate in the "Parade of Veterans" starting at 2 p.m. from Scotts Warbird Alley. Award-winning actor and veterans advocate Gary Sinise, best known for his role as Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor in the classic film Forrest Gump and as star of the hit TV series CSI: New York, greeted veterans upon their arrival, followed by a photo opportunity of the mass gathering.

But most of all, it was one more well deserved chance for the champions of America, grey and wrinkled from the years since their service, to take one more bow in front of an assemblage of Americans who benefitted form their service and sacrifice...

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews