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Flying tiger recognition in Bonita Springs

Posted at 10:38 PM, Jan 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-17 22:38:20-05

BONITA SPRINGS, FLA.- A Southwest Florida band had the privilege Sunday to play in front of a true American hero. The Bonita Springs concert band honored a 91- year old World War Two pilot for his service. 

A roar of planes flew over the crowd at Riverside Park this Sunday afternoon, a roar representing the Flying Tigers, representing Major Don Miller.

The Bonita Springs concert band played for Don and other military pilots past and present. A special opportunity for the band director Gary Smith who is also Don's nephew. 

"Every chance we have to salute them and pay tribute to them and remember that they are important." said Smith. 

One of the most important people there with Don was his wife Alice, the happy couple has been married for almost seventy years. She still recalls the first time she laid eyes on him after all of these years. 

"He showed up in his officer's uniform and I was impressed. I was struck. He was coming to check me out and I guess I checked out." she said. 

The Millers were looking forward to checking out the music in honor of those who served.