Do you remember when television stations did not broadcast 24 hours a day? If you stayed up very late back then, you may remember that, at the end of the broadcast day, they signed off with patriotic videos. These videos were, generally, scenes across America or tributes to the military with the STAR SPANGLED BANNER, AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL or TAPS in the background.While they all were uplifting, I found one version very special to me. It moved me as a child, and it became even more special to me as I pursued my dream to become a pilot and during my subsequent career as a pilot. That sign off was the HIGH FLIGHT video. That video showed a jet flying while HIGH FLIGHT, the poem by Royal Canadian Air Force Pilot, J0hn Gillespie Magee, Jr, was recited. Several editions of the video were aired over the years. The first edition featured a Lockheed F-104, Starfighter, which was a favorite fighter of mine as a boy growing up. Later versions were produced featuring other aircraft. My favorite edition, by far, was the one that featured the Nortrop T-38, Talon.
The T-38 has been the Air Force's supersonic trainer for well over 40 years, now. Until recently, every Air Force officer that earned his pilot wings flew the T-38. With its pure white paint scheme and sleek design, I believe the T-38 was the most beautiful airplane ever built... and still is to this day! I remember getting chills watching it knife through the clear blue skies at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where I attended Pilot Training as a young Lieutenant, hoping to earn my wings. Anyone who has been to my home has seen the T-38 painting by world renowned artist, Rick Broome, hanging prominently over the mantle of my fireplace.
When I watched the HIGH FLIGHT video with its breathtaking flying scenes, I, actually, relived the excitement and exhilaration I experienced each time I strapped myself into that jet. And combining those breathtaking flying scenes with the immortal words of John Gillespie Magee, Jr in his poem, HIGH FLIGHT, left me choked up.
Recently, I had the good fortune to find a copy of the T-38 HIGH FLIGHT video. You can experience the thrill and exhilaration of flight that I and a privileged few have. Turn up your computer volume, click on the link, below, and experience the wonder of flight. I suggest selecting "Full Screen".
High Flight Video
Note: You may need to download and install "Real Player" (free version) to view this video. Free Real Player Download
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5 comments:
Do you have the larger High Flight video?
Darrell Filkins
67H
Sorry, Darrell. This video is the only one I've been able to find. I would love to find a higher resolution video myself.
Absolutely Beautiful and Breath Taking. I am the wife of an Old Navy Air RIO from the Vietnam era. I think they were called Bombadier Navigator's back then (1961 - 1969). Do you know if there is a NAVY plane video of "High Flight" available like the USAF plane video you show here? Not being morbid......just thinking ahead. Thank you for your time and courtesies. The Wife: Bg
Gigi...
I'm glad you liked the video. Unfortunately, I do not know of a Navy version of "High Flight". There is an earlier version showing an F104 Starfighter (in service during the time your husband was serving). Here's the link: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2uv39_high-flight_ads. You can copy and paste it into your browser to view it.
Ralph
My favorite poem in the whole world, because I was able to stay awake until it came on and watch it with my dad.
Thanks, Charlene
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