The Lindbergh Crate Wall of Fame listing those recognized this year. Among them were Jerry Mundy, Marine, and Bill Knight, Navy, both veterans who without fail greet troops returning home through Bangor International Airport.
Model Submarine--"Memorial dedicated to the memory of submarine sailors who gave their lives while protecting their country."
Larry's message: Lindbergh had a dream, he had a plan, he had a team, and he had focus. This message is present throughout the grounds in various ways, overt and symbolic.
Lindbergh Crate Museum monument.
The Museum, which IS the actual crate, houses all sorts of Lindbergh memorabilia.
Instrument panel from the actual cockpit.
View from the back of the Museum.
Spirit of Canaan plane ride. Even here there is a message. Riding this plane requires cooperation. Those who ride inside later help to return the plane to its starting point when others ride.
This miniature crane says, "Hang your own carrot", a metaphor for self motivation. Students are allowed to operate the crane.
One of several motivational signs placed through the area.
Those of us who remember balsa gliders appreciate this.
A local Remote Control Plane Club exhibits and demonstrates each year.
Fire Bell rung to honor "real people" who have been sources of inspiration and motivation.
The location and property are just beautiful, complemented by the perfect weather!
The launching of "The U.S.S. Canaan" on the pond was one of MANY highlights of the day.
A wonderful contraption that really doesn't do anything :)
The Lindbergh Crate Museum
Ron Carlson with his wonderful chainsaw carvings. Ron was directly under the flight path of the Blackhawk helicopter and got a first-hand demonstration of the powerful wind it generates.
Closer view of Ron and some of his carvings. His demonstrations were a huge hit with the students!
Model plane in flight.
Sling shot, one of several features that students can ponder and test. There is also a trebouchet, or catapult, and, though not demonstrated this year, a canon that shoots toilet paper rolls. All are designed to in some way reinforce his message...and they're fun, too!
Obviously aviation-inspired gizmo.
Viewing "Pluto". The telescope, there for all to use, was sighted on a distant sign that read, "Pluto" with a downward arrow.
Model N-gauge railroad.
A couple of race cars...someone's "dream", no doubt.
View from the top of the hill. You can see Ron with his chainsaw carvings, and just up from him is a huge harvester which was used to cut down a tree. the harvester later held a tree from which a large flag was flown.
Maine State Police Diving Team Exhibit. Interesting exhibit. (note the bag of donuts :) )
One of the first two private airplane flybys.
The second private plane flyby. They a few passes.
The other race car uncovered.
1958 International Harvester. NICE!
Oh look..in the distance!!
Getting closer!
Blackhawk!!!
First pass!
Larry with "Balance Man". Students from area schools attend Crate Day. Larry has such an infectious positive spirit and a way of getting it across.
Waiting for the helicopter to land.
Ahhh there it is!!
Headed our way!! Notice Ron and his carvings. The carvings are all standing in this picture.
Almost! Notice the carvings in this picture.
Touchdown!
The crew emerges.
First Sgt. Steven Hall. Sgt. Hall came from Brunswick Naval Air Station to assist in honoring Jerry Mundy and Bill Knight, who greet all of our returning troops landing in Bangor, where their feet first touch U.S. soil.
Approaching German plane, we think is a Junkers JU 87. This plane made several passes, so there are lots of pictures of it.
"Thank you" is another message of the day. Here Larry greets and thanks the Blackhawk crew along with Sgt. Hall. That's Veteran and Triathlete Sam Cila that Larry is talking with now. Sam sustained nerve-damaging injuries to his arm in Iraq, and after many months of therapy and surgery, his arm was amputated. Sam is a tremendous example of the Crate Day message. He competes in triathlons, and speaks to veterans and school children. Students were captivated by him and thoroughly engrossed in the workings of his prosthetic arm. Beside Sam is his friend, who in his 30's has decided to enlist. Thank you!
Students got to sit inside the Blackhawk cockpit.
Same plane....
and another...great shot, Joe!
Inside the Blackhawk cockpit.
Same Junkers JU 87, this time with a smoke trail.
Another great shot!
Each year Larry Ross has the Memorial Day flags from Arlington National Cemetery flown up for Crate Day, usually on a Chinook helicopter. This year that didn't work out, but "Things don't always work as planned" became part of the message of the day. Students place all of the flags on the hill...a sobering sight, to say the least.
The plane has to be manually hauled back to its starting point after each ride.
FedEx plane flyby. This year, since Larry was unable to get the Chinook Helicopter to fly up here from Virginia with the Memorial Day flags they were flown up here by FedEx. How nice they were able to help, and to take part in the event.
Another view of the FedEx plane.
Each state is listed there with one service person's name.
Memorial to Maine Servicemen
C 130 Hercules flyby
Students place these flags in amazingly straight rows, a tribute to all our fallen heroes. Larry brought a tear to many an eye with his message to make sure the flags were all standing straight...that each one represents a someone's family member.
A sobering sight.
One of two KC 135 Stratotankers. Amazing planes!
USS Maine Base Submarine Veterans along with Army Veteran and Triathlete, Sam Cila.
Joe and I with a couple of Submarine Veterans.
The crew of the Blackhawk heads back to Bangor
I can't stress enough the impact of this scene. Thank you, Larry and Rebecca, and everyone else who in any way contributed to making this the amazing experience that iit is.
