Next weekend all eyes will be on the sky as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds thrill the crowds gathered for the 2014 Mountain Madness Air Show.

These six outstanding pilots — including our own hometown hero, Maj. Jason Curtis in the Opposing Solo position — will be not only impressive but also unforgettable. Air Show Operations Director Gib Bissell, in his welcome message for the event, said he remembers seeing the Thunderbirds for the first time in the mid-1960s as they flew F-4 phantoms.

“I remember the show like it was yesterday,” Bissell said, adding that the performance was the main catalyst for his own military career.

As today’s front-page story about Maj. Curtis points out, it was a Thunderbirds performance in 1985 that drew him to aviation, too — and he was only 4 years old at the time.

Members of the elite Thunderbirds squadron represent the pride, patriotism and dedication of all of our military men and women. They are America’s finest. One can’t watch them maneuver their F-16 Fighting Falcons with such precision without being filled with pride.

While the Thunderbirds no doubt are the main attraction of the air show, there are plenty of other acts for spectators to enjoy. Kent Pietsch and his Jelly Belly airplanes, for example, will treat the audience to myriad aerobatic stunts. Other acts include Wild Horse Aviation and Rower Airshows, and Will Allen, “The Flying Tenor.” Allen sings the national anthem live from his aircraft while performing choreographed aerobatics.

There will be on-the-ground action, too, with features such as the Flash Fire Jet Truck.

Air shows are huge undertakings and a big economic boost for the communities that sponsor them. The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and scores of volunteers and organizers have worked hard to make sure Mountain Madness is the best show yet.

We urge everyone to head to Glacier Park International Airport next Saturday and Sunday for the thrill of a lifetime. Air shows like this don’t come around every year. It’s been nine years since the last Mountain Madness show in the Flathead Valley.

Only time will tell how many of our young people will be inspired to pursue careers in aviation because they saw the Thunderbirds. As Curtis says, “I was that kid” who never forgot what he saw soaring above him here in the Flathead. He pursued his dream and made it come true.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of the Daily Inter Lake’s editorial board.