On our way to Colorado Springs, we stopped for awhile at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Unlike Fort Knox on our last trip where we were turned away, we were allowed in once they checked our car.
In the Welcome Center, we enjoyed a 20-minute film about cadet life. We then walked around the campus heading to the chapel and when we got there we saw 10 or so cadets guarding the doors. We were told it was closed because of a funeral in progress. Joan remembered seeing something in the Welcome Center about a cadet who had died recently in a traffic accident. Obviously, this was that person's funeral.
We walked away and looked at some replica airplanes on display. One of them was the B-17 Flying Fortress which Joan's dad flew in World War II. She had the opportunity to climb inside a real B-17 when visiting an air museum in Palm Springs, CA at an annual meeting a few years ago.
We were impressed by all the cadets - male and female - we passed on our way. They all looked so young, but also so focused and capable......the best of American youth. Eventually, we went back to the chapel and witnessed a squad firing a salute and a cadet playing taps.....a very moving experience.
While eating at Biaggi's Italian Restaurant, we enjoyed watching all the Prom couples coming past our table. Everyone looked so pretty and handsome! It was a fashion show of bright-faced high school seniors.......FUN!
Looking out from our hotel room window, we caught this picture of the sunset.....not bad!
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