Last week Bill and I toured the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, part of the museum system of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. “The South Dakota Air and Space Museum serves to educate and entertain the public. Not only does it give information about the history of U.S. Air Force aviation, it promotes South Dakota aviation history.
Aircraft that have been flown throughout the eras are on display at South Dakota’s premiere free aviation museum!”
When we first arrived at the museum, Bill said “Im going to nerd out here and read everything.” The plane he is standing in front of, the F-100, is an example of one of many that his late brother, Rick, flew during his 20 plus years in the Air Force.
“The outdoor air park is filled with WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, and present day aircraft.” You are free to roam around taking pictures and touch history.
Inside the museum are all sorts of displays that allow you to get up close and see inside the cockpit of various planes.
I loved this display of the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Remembrance Table. The sign next to the table explains that:
“The small table is set for one symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner.
The table is round showing our everlasting concern for our missing service members.
The tablecloth is white symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to arms.
A single red rose reminding us of the life of each of the missing, and the loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers.
A red ribbon symbolizing our continued determination to account for our missing.
A slice of lemon reminding us of the bitter fate of those missing, captured and held as prisoners in a foreign land.
A pinch of salt symbolizing the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.
A candle representing the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home.
The glass is inverted symbolizing their inability to share the evening’s toast.
“Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices. May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families.”
After we finished touring the Air and Space museum, we took a guided tour through the Missile Training Launch Facility on the Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Bill is standing in front of a training missile silo that we actually got to go down inside of and see all the internal workings.
A very COOL way to end our visit to South Dakota’s Air and Space Museum!
Stay Tuned!