Hugo Kilby, 1, squealed with excitement Friday as he trotted toward the vintage World War II bomber on display at Aurora State Airport.

"His first birthday was airplane themed," explained his mother, Harmony Kirby.

Children from ages one to nearly one hundred gathered on the airport tarmac north of Aurora for their chance to explore, or for some to revisit, the flight of World War II planes, part of The Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour at the airport through Sunday, June 18.

"I've been a life-long fan," said the foundation spokesman John Wilberding, as he recalled exploring an unattended B-24 bomber as a young boy after the plane had made an emergency landing in his small hometown.

Planes on display this weekend include the Consolidated B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft," the B-25 Mitchell "Tondelayo" bomber, and the B-17 Flying Fortress "Nine O Nine" bombers as well as the North American P-51 Mustang fighter.

"I have always loved history and planes and they are tied together. It's an important part of our history," said visitor Marla Jeremiah.

She was in good company among the aviation enthusiasts who spent the day swapping war stories and discussing the three bombers.

The Wings of Freedom Tour is offering ground tours of the planes, $12 for adults and $6 for children, as well as 30-minute flights ranging from $400 to $450 per person.