Celebrations and Rememberances
by Dune

Outside the wingless, shiny Blue-Nosed Mustangs (and one P-47) sit in rows. The letters PZ, PE and HO adorn their sides. The tails are colored red and yellow and blue, except for the two closest to the Cafe' which remain silver. Names like "Prosecutor", "VVicky", "Roslyn Red" and "Snake Eyes" are painted on the bright blue noses.

Inside the Wingless, gathered in the corner, sit a group of happy pilots. They are all wearing WW2 USAAF fighter pilot kits, "Mae West" lifejackets and A-2 leather jackets. Over the breast pockets silver wings flash, as do new rank insignias on the shoulders of several of the pilots. On one sleeve are worn patches with winged 8 of the 8th AF. On the other are newer patches, patches designating the newest squadron in WarBirds. The 352nd Fighter Group, The Blue-Nosed Bastards of Bodney.

As glasses of bourbon and beer, Irish whiskey and stout klink together, the pilots congratulate each other for their new promotions, for the new squad and for the recent victory over the formidable RCAF 401 Rams. While some talk about their Mustang's new paintjobs, some refly the duel in the time-honored fighter pilot tradition; with their hands. New squadron C.O.'s and X.O.'s discuss how to set-up their new commands. Some of the senior members of the old 487th beam with pride at how the squadron has grown into a full-fledged group.

In the midst of the revelry, the group's X.O. Dune stands up and asks for the pilot's attention. He looks at the men who have become his friends and says,

"Today is a wonderful day in our squad's history and I know that we will greatly benefit from this move. However, in the midst of our celebration I feel I must bring something to our attention. The birthday of the 352nd Fighter Group is Veteren's Day."

At the realization of what he has said, a somber hush falls over the group. Dune looks around and continues,

"Bastards, on this day and at this time let us take a moment to reflect on the pilots whose memory we honor with our name. Let us remember George Preddy of the 487th and 328th, the top Mustang ace of the war, killed by his own ack. Let us remember Frank Cutler of the 486th, killed on the Group's first escort mission to Berlin. Let us remember each and every member of the 352nd who went "Over There" and fought and flew and died and won."

"But more than that, let us remember every veteren of every war. Every man and woman who have left their homes, taken up the flag and shed their blood for our freedoms. It is for them we carry the name. It is their memory that we must uphold and prove worthy of."

With that, the pilots stand up and bring their glasses together. And with the words "To the Bastards" they toast the memory of all who have ever worn this country's uniform.

Salute to all of our vets.

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