Watching angels

Aerobatic maneuvers over Elmendorf Air Force Base yesterday and today are particularly poignant. Who watching the spectacle can forget that four airmen died Wednesday practicing for the Arctic Thunder air show?

A memorial is set for Monday afternoon for Maj. Aaron “Zippy” Malone, Maj. Michael Freyholtz, Capt. Jeff Hill and Master Sgt. Thomas Circado.

We commend the resolve of the men and women who have set aside their grief to put on the annual event and make it a tribute to the four who died in service to their country.

As faces turn skyward, we suspect many eyes will be misty thinking of the lives lost and the sacrifices made, not only by the four killed in the crash of the C-17 cargo jet, but by the many others in uniform who have paid the ultimate price.