quemerford wrote:
Nothing wrong with seeing more P-38s flying, but that's another discussion: the wreckage of Bong's aircraft is part of a national heritage and should be recovered, conserved and displayed in the same respectful and considered way that other historically important items are.
Just as no sensible person would condone repairing the crack in the Liberty Bell, neither should we consider the notion of "restoring"* Bong's P-38. If that wasn't the intent of the comment, then my apologies. But there will be those already afoot, thinking "Hey that's a cool idea".
*In modern warbird parlance, "restoring" means acquiring the identity of a historic aircraft, making a replica of that aircraft and then pretending it's the original item. And then preventing the public a chance to view the genuine original, if such exists after the "restoring" process has been completed.
(Am I annoyed? Yes. I'm truly fed up seeing our collective aviation heritage being mistreated and destroyed by those who only seek to make money from it. One day soon I hope it will be an offence that is liable for prosecution, but we're still in the zombie stage, thoughtless sleepwalking through what's happening. Once it's gone, it gone forever).
I essentially agree, but if the remains were recovered and "stabilized" it would be a win in my opinion. Nothing on this earth is forever, and eventually the aluminum bits will corrode away, but keeping them around longer for history's sake in a place where more people could see them would be great.
It's my opinion that some of the emotions and sentiments are quite irrational when it comes to warbird wrecks sitting in a largely inaccessible jungle location.
100% agree: recover and stabilize.
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