CLEVELAND -- The U.S. military aircraft thunder through the skies of Cleveland to the roar of the cheers of people below.
It is appropriate all of this high-flying skill and technology be in Cleveland. After all, Ohio has been a center of aviation. Case in point: All this you see here is built on the shoulders of a couple of brothers -- the Wright brothers of Dayton, who launched us into the age of powered aviation in 1903.
There is a long line of Ohioans associated with first in flight and space travel. John Glenn set a transcontinental speed record. Five years later, he was launched into space as the first American to orbit the earth. The NASA facility is named in his honor and memory.
Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon? Ohioan.
Guy Bluford, who lives in Greater Cleveland, was the first African-American astronaut in space.
The spirits of these Ohioans are in the skies of Cleveland.
It's something to think about as we watch jets and other aircraft scorch the skies this Labor Day weekend. Our Cleveland National Air Show is testimony to airpower and testimony to the city and state. When the jets fly for the show, my heart will fly with them.
Several years back, I flew backseat with the Air Force Thunderbirds. It was a flight for a reporter, but we really "wrung it out," doing almost everything a jet could do. I will always remember the day I spent flying with the Thunderbirds.
So pardon me if I gush out loud about aviation and our community. I am proud of Cleveland, Ohio and the history of aviation here.
While you are out this long Labor Day weekend, cast your gaze upward and lend an ear to the skies for the thunder which will roll through. Aviation in Ohio, where it all began.