Drawing all eyes skyward

These three North American T-6Texans were among the wide variety of aircraft to fly over an adoring crowd at the Ray Fagen Memorial Airshow June 16 in Granite Falls. Food, music, and fireworks were part of the annual celebration paying tribute to the Greatest Generation.

Evan Fagen buckling up for his turn in the skies in the General Motors (Grumman) TBM-3 Avenger.

Dan Fake from Willmar, Minnesota photographs Kohlson, his son in a 1941 Willys MB Jeep owned by Louie Larson.

"Kilroy was here" was a phrase, often accompanied with the drawing pictured above, that became popular during World War II, associated with GIs. This particular version was on the shirt of a visitor at the Ray Fagen Memorial Airshow.

For many visitors, seeing the museum's North American B-25 J-2 Mitchell, "Paper Doll" in flight was one of the highlights of the show. In its history, the Paper Doll flew a total of 125 combat missions.

After opening the show by singing the National Anthem, Ema Woods dressed after the fashion of Rosie the Riveter, stands with James Rawson to enjoy the Ray Fagen Memorial Airshow.

Inside the museum this life-size reproduction of D-Day at Utah Beach draws visitors, causing them to pause in reflection at experiences of 4th Infantry "Ivy" Division, which included Private Ray Fagen who received three battle Stars in the war.

The crowd pushed back in their lawn chairs to see the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team's spectacular performance at the Ray Fagen Memorial Air Show in June.