FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. \u2014 Thousands spent Mother\u2019s Day weekend looking to the skies at the Fort Lauderdale Air Show, with many families opting for a more high-flying celebration along the beach.<\/p>\n
From parachuters landing on the sand to roaring fighter jets overhead, day two of the AIR DOT Show delivered plenty of thrills for spectators packed along Fort Lauderdale Beach.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is amazing, seeing it on the beach and the wind, it\u2019s just gorgeous,\u201d said Katrina Reneau, visiting from Islamorada.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest attractions of the show was the Air Force\u2019s F-22 Raptor demonstration.<\/p>\n
\u201cF-22 is unparalleled in its power, in its fight performance,\u201d said Tora Thorne, a safety observer with the F-22 demonstration team.<\/p>\n
Thorne said he has been piloting the fighter jet for four years.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlying the jet is a rewarding experience every single day,\u201d he said. \u201cEvery time I get a chance to fly, I take a second to really appreciate how fortunate I am to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The aircraft wowed crowds with high-speed maneuvers, flares and aerial stunts that drew cheers from the beach below.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is the most powerful amazing plane in the world and it gets to show off to us right here,\u201d Reneau said.<\/p>\n
Attendees said the show also gave them a greater appreciation for members of the military.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am in awe, like it\u2019s given a new respect to what our guys do in the services,\u201d said attendee Latoya Black.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an honor,\u201d Black added. \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to see what really goes on. This is the fun part for them, so when you imagine what they have to do to keep us safe, it gives a new form of respect.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event also featured F-18s, Red Bull Air Force performers and the Thunderbirds.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is pure power and talent,\u201d Reneau said.<\/p>\n
Organizers said the air show not only entertains crowds, but also helps educate younger generations about the military and the aviation industry — and could inspire future careers in the field.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfe0 News From Your Neighborhood<\/p>\n
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