Honor Flight to Wash. DC and war memorials
Nov 7, 2019 11:26:56 #
Honor Flight is an organization that twice yearly brings a group of WWII and Korean veterans to Washington DC, to pay them tribute and help them visit the relevant memorials. It was a fantastic day! I and 49 other veterans from WWII and Korea were flown to Washington DC for the day to view memorials to the two conflicts. We were each accompanied by a guardian to help us with wheelchairs if needed. My guardian was Bill my son!
While I thought the memorials would be impressive, and they were, what blew me away was the personal response to our being there. At BWI (Washington) airport throngs of well-wishers lined our wheelchair route from the plane gate to the bus! Kids from boy/girl scout troops, friends and strangers alike cheering, shaking our hands, and thanking us for our service, brought tears to the eyes of all of us, including four vets from WWII, whose stories and presence humbled us all.
At Islip airport on our return home after 10PM, awaiting us again was a line from the gate to the luggage area. At this late hour kids were handing us notes and cards, well-wishers and men in uniform were saluting and thanking us, all to the sound of a the Suffolk County fire department bagpipe band. As we left the terminal we were met by two fire trucks holding aloft a large American flag, and again people cheered us from the curb.
Wow, what a day. We all received dozens of cards and notes from across the country (16 states) from young and old thanking us for our service. Still chokes me up, but gives me hope that the American spirit can overcome the current danger to our democracy.
While I thought the memorials would be impressive, and they were, what blew me away was the personal response to our being there. At BWI (Washington) airport throngs of well-wishers lined our wheelchair route from the plane gate to the bus! Kids from boy/girl scout troops, friends and strangers alike cheering, shaking our hands, and thanking us for our service, brought tears to the eyes of all of us, including four vets from WWII, whose stories and presence humbled us all.
At Islip airport on our return home after 10PM, awaiting us again was a line from the gate to the luggage area. At this late hour kids were handing us notes and cards, well-wishers and men in uniform were saluting and thanking us, all to the sound of a the Suffolk County fire department bagpipe band. As we left the terminal we were met by two fire trucks holding aloft a large American flag, and again people cheered us from the curb.
Wow, what a day. We all received dozens of cards and notes from across the country (16 states) from young and old thanking us for our service. Still chokes me up, but gives me hope that the American spirit can overcome the current danger to our democracy.
Card from a young child
Happy veteran meeting other honorees
Men and Women veterans at the WWII memorial
Card from a young child and bracelet made by local student.
Young child at WWII memorial
Statue of foot soldier at the Korean War memorial
Note from local student Devin
Reflection of wounded veteran helped by his guardian reflected in wall at the Korean War memorial
Card from class of young children
What met me and brought tears to my eyes on my late night return
Nov 7, 2019 11:32:24 #
leicajah
Loc: Texas, grew up in Louisiana
God Bless you,, and all the others. USAF 10 June 1970 - 1 February 1993
Nov 7, 2019 11:34:33 #
What an uplifting and wonderful story and photos you have shared with us. Thank you so much!
Nov 7, 2019 11:36:07 #
Thank you for a moving post and also for your service to our great country. So far our freedoms remain intact because of men and women just like yourself who put their lives on hold to defend freedom. Believe me my friend you and your fellow military honorees are greatly appreciated by me, my family and close friends.
Oh yes your photos are great as well.
Dennis
Oh yes your photos are great as well.
Dennis
Nov 7, 2019 11:52:44 #
My sincere thanks to all of you and and all who paid the ultimate price for keeping us safe and free.
Nov 7, 2019 11:57:15 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
I'm glad the WW2 and Korean War Vets were recognized for their military service. I've had the honor to be around these distinguished Veterans, at local annual events. The WW2 Vets are in their 90s now. So, sooner better than later was accomplished. Thanks for sharing.the story and photos.
Nov 7, 2019 12:47:37 #
God Bless our Veterans, beautiful set thanks for sharing
SFC Swanson (retired) US Army 1985-2013
SFC Swanson (retired) US Army 1985-2013
Nov 8, 2019 05:25:39 #
wham121736 wrote:
Honor Flight is an organization that twice yearly ... (show quote)
First off thank you for your service and second for these wonderful images and your story. My dad did this several years ago and was very touched by it all
Nov 8, 2019 06:08:25 #
You and your fellow veterans have earned every accolade and tribute. There will never be another generation like yours. Thank you for your service and I am glad you had such a wonderful day.
Nov 8, 2019 07:12:39 #
Nov 8, 2019 07:25:33 #
Isn't it great that there are people out there that really care. I care, we care, everyone should care and give thanks to all who served. I would like to shake each and everyone of their hands.
Nov 8, 2019 08:56:54 #
How nice it was that you were able to experience in a very tangible way what most of us really feel: so grateful! Your post is moving and marvelous.
Nov 8, 2019 09:11:25 #
Nov 8, 2019 09:21:06 #
Nov 8, 2019 10:21:53 #
I’ve been a “Guardian” on several of these trips. They are awesome! I usually shed some tears myself on these trips.
Thanks for the great photos!
Thanks for the great photos!
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