B-17, LST Memorial 325 coming to Cape this week

We love history around here. We recognize the importance of highlighting and celebrating it. And we have another opportunity to do so with the Flying Legends of Victory Tour and the LST Memorial 325.

The B-17 Flying Fortress "Sentimental Journey" will be at the Cape Regional Airport, in all its historical glory, for the public to see and tour. Just how vital to history is the B-17? As the Cape Girardeau Convention & Visitors Bureau reported, it is "one of only ten airworthy in the world. The classic warbird was restored to authentic condition by Commemorative Air Force volunteers as part of its flying museum tour programs." From Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, we are invited to take a look and even climb aboard, for a suggested donation of only $5.

Beyond the viewing and tour, imagine taking to the air in this iconic piece of history. Yes, anyone 12 years or older may reserve a ride on the B-17 for waist gunner/radio operator seats ($425) and bombardier/navigator seats in the nose ($850). Call 602-448-9415 or email b17rc@azcaf.org, and you can travel back in time.

There's more. In homage to history, you are also invited to Riverfront Park to tour the LST Memorial 325, which participated in D-Day at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. This remnant from our past will be here from Thursday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours cost $10 for adults, $5 for anyone ages 6-17 and under 5 are free.

If you're a connoisseur of history, would like to learn more about history and/or want to expose your children to history, both the Flying Legends of Victory Tour and the LST Memorial 325 tours are two ways to do so. Like the B-17, time flies, and it's not every day we have an opportunity to fly with it, along with its accompanying memories. Cape Girardeau, we have that opportunity. Consider taking advantage of it and creating some memories of your own.