I taught in a US town that had a naval air station. Early in my career I worked in a school filled with the children whose parents were in the navy. They asked me if I would go to the annual air show held on the base. I had no interest but remembered my college professors' advice to learn as much about the students' lifestyles and interests as possible. Off I went. There was a crash. A father and son flew twin biplanespecially in formation. Over nearby woods, their wingtip touched and the planes crashed. One pilot died; the other, though seriously injured, survived. That was my first and probably will be my last attendance at an air show.

My heart goes out to all those affected by these crashes.