It was just days ago, dozens of WWII veterans got the chance to relive history, thanks to a few antique bomber planes.
"Just the feel of it, listening to the engines, taking off and landing. it just brings back some very, very special memories," said Robert Schultz, an 86-year-old former Air Force pilot who can't seem to shake his love for planes.
"You get an attachment to planes and it never leaves you," added Schultz.
Schultz is one of several aviation enthusiasts who came out to the Shelby County Airport on Friday to experience some living history.
"To see these planes is an example of what was taking place many years ago and it's very humbling to see that. Our generation very seldom realizes what they did for us against the forces of evil," said Trey Schultz, Robert's 24-year-old grandson.
It's obvious that he inherited the same appreciation for these relics.
"It's like reliving history. You don't exactly understand what the pilots did back then until you see the aircraft," said Trey.
As the day wound down and the engines turned off, it became clear, that for these men, both young and old, the memory of these planes would stick with them forever.
"It's a blessing to be out here, to be able to see living history. It's amazing that these men, they take such pride in these planes and I see why," said Trey.
The event was all part of the Collings Foundation's Wing's of Freedom Tour. This was the fifth year in a row they stopped in Birmingham. The six-week tour will conclude this coming Sunday in Perry, Georgia.
