Air shows are a great way to show appreciation for the people who serve, to celebrate the people who keep us free. The Salutefest Miami Beach Air Show presented by Hyundai was a great example of why these air shows are great event for the entire family. Besides the beautiful landscape of Miami Beach, enough events were happening throughout the day to keep anyone interested.

The US Army was out in full force to display all of their firepower and interact with the crowd. Anyone on the beach that weekend could enter an area where they could go inside and on top of different tanks for photo opportunities. The pull-up bar and weight lifting challenges always offer a good opportunity to show off the strength of the soldiers. The public can rarely do close to the number of chin-ups needed, and its fun to watch.

Amateur boxers were displaying their skills in the ring with the Freedom Fighters Boxing sessions. Monster Energy dirt bike riders were putting out big air displays alongside the palm trees. The food trucks were top notch, wood fired pizza that tasted great. Jerk Chicken and homemade macaroni from another truck also hit the spot big-time. 

Of course, the main event at the Miami Air and Sea show was an air show, of course, and it did not disappoint. Many different jets buzzed the beach entertaining the large crowds. Parachute jumpers put on displays, alternatively free falling and spinning their way to the landing zone. Helicopters flew just above the water displaying their ability to maneuver with ease while closely following a speedy center console Coast Guard boat.

We put a video up on YouTube that captures the essence of the show. If you have never been to an air show, it might be something your family would enjoy. The Miami and Fort Lauderdale Air Shows offer the perfect backdrop of the beach is sure to appeal to most anyone. The freedom to be able to enjoy these shows is due to the people who have sacrificed everything.

I have appreciated the time I got to spend with my grandpa, who was part of “The Greatest Generation.” He was a navigator in World War II; I wrote a little article about his story. Even though he lived a full life, he never stopped thinking about the way, especially later on in life.

For those of us who are not in the military, events like these help understand the awesome power of these machines. The people that do this hard work does not go unappreciated. The freedoms we have are great, hopefully we keep getting to enjoy them.