Well here it is again. . . . THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE, Saturday 12 April 2008
Every year, two weeks prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby the skies about Louisville, Kentucky and Jeffersonville and Clarksville, Indiana roar with the sounds of thunder. The Kentucky Derby Festival is a two week event leading up to the Run for the Roses and is kicked off with the world’s largest air show and one of the world’s largest fire works displays.
The air show begins at 3:00 pm EST and ends around 9:30 pm EST. This year the about sixty military and civilian air craft will be performing for the estimated one million people on both sides of the Ohio River . The air show is a showcase of the military technology of the United States Air Force, Navy, Army and Marines. The military might show ends with THUNDER’S SALUTE TO OUR NATION. Two gigantic (and I mean gigantic) American Flags, carried by helicopters are flown over the mesmerized crowd while the National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner followed by America the Beautiful blares from enormous speakers set up all along the River.
The final flight of the night is performed by civilian pilot Bill Left. He performs his own personal Night Show which is a display of fireworks mounted on the wings and tail. The final song before the big KABOOM of fireworks is an emotional rendition of Proud to be an American and then the reading of the poem, I am an American while the flags fly overhead brings many Thunder goers to tears.
The crowd is now aroused and buzzing with patriotic furor and fairly bursting with national pride by the end of Flag Flyover and Bill Left’s Night Show. Then begins the Launch Sequence
KAAAAAABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM
A deafening roar goes up from nearly one million people as the first rocket is launched from the Clark Memorial Bridge (also called the Second Street Bridge). This fireworks show is the Thunder Over Louisville that is the official start of the two- week long Kentucky Derby Festival.
The pyrotechnic masterpiece is choreographed to a musical selection and provided by Zambelli Fireworks International
Thunder 2007 required 60 tons of fireworks shells. This year, the show is rumored to be even larger. The show lasts about 45 minutes, and it truly is the most amazing fireworks show in North America, possibly in the world.
I will get as close as possible for photos but I have to take Malcolm along. There are NO BABYSITTERS for Thunder Saturday, as everyone is down on the Ohio River. And I just don’t want to drag a toddler through that enormous crowd. I will do my best, but you can see some sites and sounds from Thunder 2007 by visiting the Kentucky Derby Festival
I have to admit, I have been known exhibit a bit of nostalgia at this event. When those huge flags are flying overhead, and those songs are playing, I want my America back. I want the America I was promised. I want to feel safe, not from terrorists, but from my own government. I want my right to free speech, my right to freely travel, and my right to freely associate with whom I will without discrimination by association.
For a few hours, once each year, I can listen to those songs, gaze at those flags, and remember America before Homeland Security, before the Patriot Act, and before the everyone is a terrorist mentality. For a few hours today, I can pretend that I live in my America.
God Bless America
God Save America
THUNDER 2008 PHOTOGRAPHS
Thunder Over Louisville
The opening ceremony for the Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville, Kentucky is an awesome event.
MCN: W74-GKH6-2555
MCN: B65-RKCY-7927
Kelly KMA Berm..., 3 months ago
WoW!! That sounds exciting!! Though I hear your sadness…..well at least for the day – be proud, have fun… Im sure little Malcolm will be on his best behaviour so that Mom can take some more fabby photo’s for RB (try bribing him lol)..... I cant wait to see what you take!!! Enjoy your special day Helen :) K
Roy barry, 3 months ago
Helen, for all it’s faults, one thing that “Uncle Sam” still knows how to do, is put on a show! Go, enjoy, relax. There is always tomorrow to get back to being a thorn in the side of Captain Corporate. Use the vision of “your America” as fuel in your creative fire. Hope you guys have fun, come back with some great shots and a head full of happy memories for Malcom.
Wendy Slee KMA, 3 months ago
I read this with fascination, then when I got to your line “I want MY america back” I got tears in my eyes. I felt it for you. I hope that wish comes true, so we can all believe again in America. sounds like an awesome show. Have fun!
Christopher E..., 3 months ago
wow..sounds like a blast!! id love to see something like that, i bet it is spectacular!! and i agree with you, i miss the “old america”, no it wasnt perfect, but it sure as hell was better then this crap we live in today. i feel our present day government has been more of a terror then any other country could ever be to us, and i will go do my dying day, saying…our government is the one who made 9/11 happen. you know if you have a stroller you can put malcolm in, that might help you both get around the crowds, get there early!! find that great spot..and stay there, and dont forget the munchies and drinks :)
shawhouse, 3 months ago
At least the last guy in is named Left. Wonderful, vivid writing. Man, I love fireworks – Jingoism, not so much. Hope we have enough patriots left to throw the scoundrels and feebs out on their collective ear…. Anyway, have a great time!! Hey, here’s some fireworks shots to get you in the mood…
Susan Grissom, 3 months ago
Yeah I agree I miss the old America, it sure got off track, down a road to nowhere. Enjoy this .
Look forward to seeing your photographs from it.
pat oubridge, 3 months ago
This sounds fantastic Helen
cheetaah, 3 months ago
Thats amazing, had no idea about it, great info. Thanks.
Birgitta, 3 months ago
And this year, I stayed inside.
Didn’t do a thing! Great shots. :)