Republic Airport Marks Memorial Day With WWII Fighter Jet Reenactment
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A reenactment on Long Island highlighted World War II heroics in the skies, thrilling crowds below.
As CBS2's Dick Brennan reported, at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, vintage fighter aircraft filled the ever busy runway. Troopers boarded planes bound for bombing runs, even as tanks rolled into forward position.
For the crowds enjoying the Memorial Day reenactment, the reality of combat quickly sunk in.
"It's very moving to see all of the equipment veterans used to protect the freedom of the world," said Diane Gutierrez. "Many of them not much older than my daughter."
The reenactors were all volunteers, but they do it for deeply personal reasons.
"Well both of my grandfathers are veterans of the second World War and they're not around for me to ask questions," said Stacy Watson.
Watson, of North Bellmore, said acting out the part of a tank driver allows her to reconnect with her beloved grandparents' bravery.
Fellow tank driver volunteer Steve Demeo said he can't imagine spending months under fire inside of one of the legendary Sherman Tanks.
"You kind of wear it; you put it on; they move with it; it moves with you; you live in it and that's what they did during the war. They lived in it and they died in it," he said.
The aerial maneuvers of P-40 and P-47 fighters thrilled the crowd, especially the many veterans.
"It was an experience I'll never forget and I'm proud to have served," said veteran Ernie Rauch.
Rauch served in a tank division in Korea in the 1950s. He said for him, Memorial Day reminds him there is a price to pay for liberty, and that some things are worth fighting, and dying for.
"Freedom doesn't come cheaply," he said. "I mean, you really see the gravity of it all. All the equipment they used was so huge and complicated."
So it was a history lesson in the skies over Farmindale this Memorial Day, yet still a somber holiday, paying tribute to those who did not make it safely back home.
The Republic Airport show also featured a memorial flyover in remembrance of NYPD Officer and Long Island native Brian Moore, who was fatally shot on May 2 while on duty in Queens.