A good way to end the Fourth of July weekend: history touched down in Erie this week, even though weather forced organizers to halt afternoon shows during the Flying Legends Victory Tour.
Families lined the grounds of Erie International Airport to take in the sight of two World War II aircraft — the B-17G Flying Fortress and the B-25J Mitchell.
Even when rain moved through and crews had to pause afternoon demonstrations, visitors stayed. Many said the weather didn’t matter — the history did.
A representative with Flying Legends said that’s exactly why the organization travels from city to city.
“I think a lot of times people kind of lose sight of what transpired here a long time ago within this country. So I think it’s a good opportunity, especially for the younger generation, to come out here, see these airplanes, and gain an understanding of the sacrifices that were made many years ago,” said Marty Post, ground operator for the Flying Legends Erie operation.
I also spoke with Emmett T.G. Roha, who is preparing to enter the Army. He said seeing these aircraft up close gives him a deeper appreciation for those who served before him and the responsibility he is about to take on.
“They don’t teach a lot of this to the younger generation. We only learn about what we did in World War II and other wars to a certain point. For me, if I want to learn more about it, I have to do my own research, watch videos, documentaries and podcasts. Other than that, events like this help spread the word and bring the younger generation out,” said Roha, an E-2 private second class and 88M military occupational specialty candidate.
For many, it wasn’t just a display. It was a reminder of the cost of freedom — and why preserving these stories matters long after the holiday weekend ends.