Oklahoma City was a fitting place to remember two native sons who brought their aviation vision to life.
On Tuesday, history buffs, war veterans and aviation lovers marked the 60th anniversary of the deaths of humorist, cowboy and movie star Will Rogers and aviation pioneer Wiley Post.They were killed when their single-engine plane nose-dived into a lagoon near Barrow, Alaska.
Thanks to Rogers and Post, "We have great heritage for aviation in Oklahoma City," said Luther Trent, director of the Oklahoma City Department of Airports.
Airplanes scattered rose petals on Post's grave and Rogers' tomb, and four vintage aircraft took off in a missing man formation from the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore.
Vietnam-era veterans performed a 21-gun salute and Rogers' grandnephew, Bob McSpad-den, placed a wreath made of Oklahoma wildflowers on Rogers' grave.
Post was known for setting early altitude records, discovering the jet stream and inventing the first practical pressurized flying suit.