Vintage aircraft fans from all walks of life converged on the Hazleton Municipal Airport from Aug. 19 to 21 to see and even climb into one-of-a-kind bombers that fought for our freedom.

Young and old. Male and female, the crowds showed. Despite hot temperatures, they gathered at 5175 Old Airport Road in Hazle Township to talk about the allure of the endless skies.

“We look forward to this event every year. My son likes to see the huge planes and their beautiful colors,” said Melissa Young of Conyngham.

But perhaps nobody liked it more than Kevin and Suzan Sinton of Lake Hauto.

Kevin is a licensed pilot. For years, he owned a Beechcraft Sierra and kept it at Hazleton Airport.

“I was flying from 1985 to 2001,” said the Tamaqua native.

The Sinton couple, married 21 years, enjoys all kinds of aircraft because an airplane figured heavily into their initial, developing relationship.

When Kevin first met and fell head over heels for a lovely Suzan Lazur of Hometown, he asked her to accompany him aboard his plane for a short dinner trip.

“Our first date was to Ocean City, Maryland,” said Suzan. “He flew us there and then flew us home.”

Then they did it again. And again.

The sky-high dating scheme worked to perfection, and the couple married in May 1998.

Kevin no longer keeps a plane, but he and Suzan maintain strong interest.

“He still reads AOPA magazine,” said Suzan, referring to the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association publication.

Kevin said the Wings of Freedom Tour also is special to him because his uncle was a B-24 gunner in World War II.

The show included three bombers and two fighters, among them, a very rare P-40 Warhawk fighter. The P-40 was the fighter used by the American Volunteer Group, the “Flying Tigers, to fight the Japanese before the U.S. formally declared war against them in 1941.

Also on display was the Witchcraft, the world’s only fully restored and flying consolidated B-24J Liberator. The B-24 fought for our freedom in the skies of Europe and the Pacific through the use of strategic bombing during World War II.

Another, the big Nine-O-Nine, is a Boeing Flying Fortress heavy bomber of the 323rd Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group, that completed 140 combat missions during World War II. It’s believed to be the eighth Air Force record for most missions without loss to the crews that flew it.

There was also a P-51 Mustang fighter and others.

Visitors were allowed to climb into a few of the bombers and experience firsthand what it was like to be in position as a gunner. And that’s part of the reason why the tour is a hit.

The Collings Foundation believes that nothing tells the story of World War II quite like a chance to get close and personal with weapons of the air.

The nonprofit, educational group started in 1979 to support living history. Their idea is to allow opportunity for not just exhibits, but interaction to enable the public to learn more about heritage through direct participation.

In the beginning, the foundation promoted antique car rallies, hill climbs, carriage and sleigh rides, and a winter ice-cutting festival.

But in the mid-80s, these activities were broadened to include aviation-related events such as air shows, barnstorming, historical reunions, and joint museum displays on a nationwide level.

Those with deep pockets were able to ride a plane into the wild blue yonder for $400, the cost for a half-hour flight.

Those with even deeper pockets could schedule a 60-minute training flight aboard the P-51 Mustang for $3,400.

Similar offers were available for other aircraft as well.

Flying in planes can be an expensive endeavor.

But you never know where it could lead. You might just meet the love of your life.

Just ask Kevin and Suzan.