“Dad not only came to life in the museum but every plane brought out a story.”

Robin Jennings’ grandfather and grandson.

I’ll always be grateful for our family visit to the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. Our son had four deployments in Iraq as a pilot flying CH-46 helicopters for the Marines. He was responsible for casualty evacuations. When our son invited us for his winging ceremony at the Naval Air base, he asked if we would bring “Granddad” as well. Grandad  flew for the Navy in WWII and my son wanted him to be part of the ceremony. The ceremony was powerful and afterwards our son asked his grandfather if he would like to visit the Naval Air Museum. The rest is history. Pictured is Dad in the cockpit of the Blue Angels jet with my son. What was fascinating to me is how Dad not only came to life in the museum but every plane brought out a story. From the deep recesses in his mind, seventy years ago seemed like only yesterday. He knew about the engines, the missions, and the crews–and being there at the museum gave Dad the opportunity to witness for a new generation the legacy of our country that proudly continues today to fly in the sky above.

The Rev. Robin T. Jennings
Author. Speaker.
www.robintjennings.com
Louisville, Kentucky