Saturday afternoon we hurried out of the house at 1:30 to watch The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds fly over Atlanta. They are the Navy’s highly skilled acrobatic flying teams. I caught site of the last plane rocketing into the tree line. The sound was like smooth thunder, very impressive and majestic.
We walked down the block to a patch of open sky, thinking the planes might circle back and we’d get a better view. As we moved I started crying, a quiet cry that no one noticed. I was overwhelmed by the sight of The Blue Angels, the nobility in their flight and the goodness in their gesture. After all the losses we’ve experienced during the pandemic, after all the soul crushing political controversy thrown at us like garbage every day, seeing the Blue Angels was deeply comforting. It felt like a pat on the shoulder from your grandfather and words of assurance from a favorite teacher.
Seeing The Blue Angels also felt like a revelation. Ahh…this is what we needed. Not a press conference, not an opinion piece or a bold proclamation that resembles a dumpster fire.
The Blue Angels flew across America to thank our healthcare community for their tremendous commitment and sacrifice during the Covid-19 pandemic. They lifted our spirits too. Most of all, even though I only saw one plane, it was more than enough to remind me that there is still honor in America.
Lisa
This is how I feel also but didn’t know how to express it is beautifully as you’ve done. Thank you!
Maureen Goldman
Thank you, Lisa! It’s good to hear from you. Sending love to you and your family.
Martha Turner
Beautifully said Maureen. Our neighbors gathered in the cul de sac with children wheeling around parents and elders in folding chairs. They flew so close to us and everyone cheered and whooped. You are so right. It was eloquent with a sound only the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds can deliver. Thanks for putting it in a new light.
Maureen Goldman
Martha, thank you for sharing your experience. And thank you for all the beauty you add to our neighborhood with your gardens.
Wendy M Weathers
I tried to make it to Perimeter Mall to view them, but realized I wouldn’t get there in time because of all the traffic with people trying to do the same. I ended up pulling over on I-285 like a ton of others and got to see them. I thought they would make a second loop too, but didn’t get to see it. But my wonderful friend Katie got an incredible video of them and texted it to me. It was beautiful. I’ve loved the Blue Angels since the Van Halen video “Dreams” I think it was??? Missed them when I was in Pensacola, but I’ll go back for sure!
Maureen Goldman
Hi Wendy,
It was a highlight of the year so far!