History came to life at the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport this week as vintage bombers and other planes landed for flight tours and display. The Wings of Freedom Tour was hosted by the Collings Foundation, and featured aircraft from World War II.

War-era planes featured included the B-17 Flying Fortress "Nine O Nine," Consolidated B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft," B-25 Mitchell "Tondelayo" bombers and a P-51 Mustang "Toulouse Nuts" fighter.

Visitors were invited to explore the aircraft inside and out, and to take a 30-minute flight aboard the rare aircraft.

The Wings of Freedom Tour, now in its 28th year, visits an average of 110 cities in 35 states each year. 

"It travels the nation as a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them; the ground crews who maintained them; the workers who built them; the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect; and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve," said Hunter Chaney, Collings Foundation marketing director.