World War II bombers fly into Monroe County

Monroe County residents will have the unique opportunity today and Tuesday to view, up close, two types of airplanes used during World War II.\nA B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-24 Liberator flew into Monroe County Airport on Sunday. The planes were greeted by a large crowd of people trying to get a glimpse of history. The two planes are part of the Wings of Freedom Tour sponsored by the Collings Foundation.\nThis is the 14th year the planes have toured the country. This year they will be visiting 130 cities, changing locations every three days. \n"The goal of the foundation is to promote living aviation history and honor the memories of our World War II veterans," said Ryan Keough, the national coordinator for the Wings of Freedom Tour.\nThis is the second year the Wings of Freedom Tour has come to Bloomington. \nRex Hinkle, the main coordinator for the event, said the Monroe County Airport features tours such as this to "raise general public awareness of the airport and let people know what we have out here." \nBoth planes visiting Monroe County were built in 1944. Neither saw combat for the United States Air Force. The B-24 was given to Britain's Royal Air Force as part of the lend-lease program. It flew in the South Pacific and in India's air force before being purchased by the Collings Foundation. It is the only one operational in the world. \nThe B-17 was used to fight fires in the United States.\nBloomington resident Ray Walden came to see the landing of the two authentic World War II planes Sunday. His stepbrother, Elmer Williams, flew 39 missions as a nose gunner in a B-17 during World War II. Walden said he plans on taking the walk-through tour of the B-17.\n"I want to sit in the B-17 and experience what he experienced," Walden said.\nWalk-throughs of the two planes will be offered today and Tuesday. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children.\nThe tour also offers people a chance to fly in one of the two World War II bombers. The cost for a 30-minute ride is a tax-deductible fee of $400. The flights will take place early in the morning before the walk-throughs and later in the afternoon.\nThe planes will be on display today from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.\nTo schedule a flight, call 386-451-9508.