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Honor Flight, A Memorable Day in D.C. With My Dad

In March of 2010, I was watching our local news channel early one morning and was drawn to a live story about an organization called, Honor Flight of St. Louis. The volunteers from this organization were gathering a group of elderly men at Lambert St. Louis Airport for a flight to Washington D.C. As I watched, I learned the purpose of this wonderful program.

The goal–get all the WWII Veterans in the St. Louis area to D.C. to see their WWII Memorial at no cost to them! I thought about my Dad who had served in the Air Force during WWII, and how much he would enjoy a trip like this, especially since he has never been to D.C. I went on-line and completed an application for him, and I signed on to accompany him on the trip. I was told that family members could sign-up as well to be “Guardians” of their Vet, at a minimal cost.

Over the next several months, I would call Honor Flight and just check on the status for my Dad’s trip, as I knew they were working desperately to contact all the WWII vets in our area.

On September 20 of this year, my Dad and I received a phone call from Honor Flight telling us that we were chosen to take the Honor Flight on October 18! I was more excited than Dad, as he was a bit apprehensive about flying. But, when I assured him that I would be along on the trip with him, we were good to go!

At 2:00 a.m. on October 18, my alarm told me it was time to get up!! What in the world had I signed-up for? After getting myself together, I picked up Dad and headed to the St. Louis Airport. Check-in time was 4:00 a.m. for the Honor Flight Vets.

As we all began to arrive at the terminal, we were greeted by the most cordial, pleasant, and helpful volunteers I have ever had the good fortune to meet. They had a gift bag for each Vet, which included a T-shirt and baseball cap. Those of us that were Guardians each received a different colored T-shirt, which ended up to be very useful during the day as it helped us recognize our group.

The Vets and volunteers chatted away for about an hour, until everyone arrived and then we headed through security. Passing through security wasn’t as much of a challenge as I thought. We ended up with only one extra belt and hat…but later found the owners!

Before we boarded the Southwest commercial flight, we had a quick breakfast and then got the 22 Vets and their Guardians on-board fairly quickly…considering half of these soldiers were in wheel chairs.

We arrived in Baltimore at about 8:00 a.m. to a heroes’ welcome. The Honor Flight volunteers in Baltimore, along with passengers who had just gotten off our flight and those who were passing by in the airport, waved flags and clapped for the Vets as they entered the terminal. It was so emotional for these vets, and also for us Guardians.

After a bus ride to D.C., we toured the WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Air Force, Marines (Ima Jimo), and Lincoln Memorials. As the Vets walked through these memorials, I observed one of the most touching and emotional parts of our trip. School children and visitors would come up to the Vets, shake their hand, and tell them how much they appreciated their dedication to our country. Some of them remarked, “It’s because of you, that I am free to live in this country.” They even asked the Vets to pose with them for pictures to take back home. The Vets were so humbled, and yet they beamed at having their pictures taken with the young kids.

We also visited Arlington Cemetery and witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This was a very somber moment for the Vets. I watched their faces and witnessed first-hand the look of true commitment to one’s country.

This was a pretty full itinerary for the day, but the schedule allowed the Vets to have about an hour or so at each memorial, with plenty of time for bathroom breaks. Much to my surprise no one seemed tired, and most of these men were over 85 years old! My Dad was a real trooper. Even after two knee replacements, he walked right alongside me throughout the day.

At 5:30 p.m., we left the last memorial and headed back to Baltimore to board our flight home to St. Louis. As we sat in the terminal, each Vet received a “Mail Call” bag. Honor Flight collects letters from family, friends, volunteers that are written to the Vets in appreciation for their service. Thanks to my Dad’s many wonderful family and friends, his Mail Bag was bulging at the seams. As we read each letter, our emotions got the best of us — yet again!

At 10:30 p.m. our flight landed in St. Louis. As the Vets left the plan and entered the terminal, they were saluted by about 10 service men and women in dress blues and cheered by passengers around gate. And, again we cried! As the Vets gathered for one last group photo shoot, they were given certificates for their service to our country and met by family members and friends. The look on their faces said it all….they were so thankful for this opportunity. It was truly a heroes’ welcome home!

I have to say that this was the most memorable trip I have ever had the privilege of being a part of. I spent 18 hours talking to Vets about their experiences and even learning more about my Dad’s time spent in the service. They have such wonderful stories to tell.

Unfortunately, the only way we will be able to pass these wonderful stories down to other generations is to talk to these vets. I encourage anyone who has a family member or friend who has served in WWII to sign them up for this trip or to volunteer as a guardian (You can find information on this program at www.honorflight.org).

The Honor Flight staff is committed to making sure these Vets have a wonderful experience whether they can walk, have walkers, or are in wheel chairs…they are attentive so as to ensure the guests safety throughout the entire trip.

It was truly an honor for me to spend the day with these WWII Veterans…They are true American Heroes and the greatest generation in our history.