Just about every day throughout the summer months, an outfit called Honor Flight flies air charters to Baltimore or Washington and disgorges a 50 or more old men and a few women. Most are wearing a hat the reads WWII Veteran, or their unit or ship. Each has a guardian who looks after them and helps shepherd them around.
As they walk off the plane, or in many cases are wheeled of the plane, the entire terminal breaks out in applause and a standing ovation.
These men are our veterans of WWII and Honor Flight brings them to DC to see the WWII Memorial...Their Memorial.
When the arrive at the Memorial, there is another phalanx of well wishers on hand to greet them, thank them and shale their hand. Members of the military are usually there. There are four young women who are dressed and made up in period clothing who come often. Many of the old soldiers pause for a photo with the girls. Finally, a short ceremony is performed to thank these men for their service and sacrifice.
Some of these guys are overcome with emotion, while others are joyful and enjoy the parade.
I’ve met a B-24 pilot, a member of OSS and several who served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
If you can make it to DC, it’s well worth your time to check out the Honor flight website and see when these hero’s are coming in so you can greet them. We live about 90 minutes from DC and have attended several of these.