Thousands of people packed Ellington Airport for a two-day celebration of aviation in the United States. The Wings Over Houston Airshow, organized by the Commemorative Air Force drew spectators from all across Texas. “From start to finish the show was amazing,” wrote Hanna Wagner Bilberry on Facebook. “It was our first time seeing the Blue Angels and we will be talking about it for a while.”
The Blue Angels, a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy, was among the main attractions. Formed in 1946, it’s the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world.
“Great show,” wrote Kellie Tibbetts DeMary on Facebook. “Thanks for bringing the Blue Angels to Texas.”
Rainy and dreary weather wasn’t a match for the event that also offered an opportunity for ticket-holders to view modern aviation displays, warbird ramp displays and meet military living legends.
Organizers shared a message of gratitude on social media:
“Houston we love you! We think we have shattered our attendance records and we appreciate your support. It takes more than a village to pull off an event like this.”
About two weeks after the airshow in Houston, two historic aircraft collided at a Veterans Day show in Dallas. Six people were killed, including at least one man from the Houston area.
“Our hearts are heavy. Our deepest sympathies go out to their loved ones. We will never forget them or the joy and inspiration they brought to so many over the years,” wrote a spokesperson for Wings Over Houston in an emailed statement to people who signed up for an airshow e-newsletter. “Blue skies and tailwinds, dear friends.”
“We consider each of them a part of our family and are grieving with their families and friends,” wrote a spokesperson for Wings Over Houston. “Our deepest sympathies go out to their loved ones. We will never forget them or the joy and inspiration they brought to so many over the years.”
The CAH is collecting donations to help the families of the Dallas Airshow victims. Click here to donate. 100% of the money collected through this effort will be provided to the families as emergency funding. All received funds will be split equally amongst those families impacted.