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Re: Oh dear oh dear oh dear

Posted by Karen on Tue Mar 05, 2002 04:04:48 PM

In reply top Re: Oh dear oh dear oh dear posted by Brad on Tue Mar 05, 2002 02:24:58 PM

Brad,

I am so disappointed by what you wrote. As a Veteran of the Military I would have thought you would have a better sense of history.

My husband has been in the Military for 27 years, my Father for 22, and everyone knows the story of my Uncle. My Great Grandfather was killed on Armistice Day, 20 minutes after peace was declared. You are the first veteran I have ever heard say they didn't care about the history of a machine that one of their comrades fought, and possibly died in.

Don't you see, these planes are not just some one's property, to an awful lot of us. They are a tribute to a breed of men, that I sadly fear are disappearing at a very alarming rate.

I respectfully, disagree with you, concerning a warbird owners right to do with a warbird as he sees fit. He has been given the opportunity to own something that has a historical significance. This should mean something. Sadly for some I don't believe it does.

If kissing a Warbird Owners butt is the only way I could get a ride in a P-51, I will keep my feet planted firmly on the ground. Stroking someones ego, over the fact that they have way more money to buy things than I ever will, is not how I want to spend my time at an Airshow.

I must also say, I do not believe this is true of the majority of Warbird owners, and I also don't believe the majority of warbird owners don't care about the history of their plane.

If not for WWII, and the sacrifice of so many servicemen there would be no property to own. If respective governments cared enough to responsibly over see the ownership of these planes, their history would have a much better chance of being preserved. Would you feel the same way if someone had the opportunity to purchase the Declaration of Independence, and they chose to use it for toilet paper? These planes are historical treasures, in much the same spirit. The only difference being, there are so many of them, and the governments don't care!

Everything I am saying concerns the true history of a warbird...it's original history. It is very sad that people have been killed in these planes since the war ended, but they chose to do what they did. Our service men did not have that luxury. Although I doubt many would have wanted to do anything different.

My devotion, and passion towards the preservation of these planes stems from the incredible respect and gratitude I feel towards all the men who fought so bravely, so very long ago.It seems to me they keep getting lost in the discussions.

I think the most telling thing you wrote was "the warbird world is a buyer beware business" That is really the bottom line. Please don't tell me these planes would rot and disintegrate if not for the warbird owners. There has been enough discussion on this board that I know plenty of people who would give almost anything to have one of these planes. They may not fly, but they would exist. But as soon as someone discovered there was a profit to be made, true lover's of history, became the minority. It is, and always has been a matter of money....how very sad....
Karen

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