Posted on 06/05/2012 9:19:11 PM PDT by the scotsman
'Honor is a hard term to describe. It doesn’t have a color or weight or shape. If someone were to ask me what honor looked like, I’d probably struggle with what to say.
But something happened on May 23, 2012 at 9:31 a.m. at Gate 38 of Reagan National Airport that might change that. A flash mob of sorts broke out. But not like you’ve seen on YouTube with highly choreographed dance numbers or people singing a song in unison. In fact, virtually all of the participants of this “flash mob” didn’t know they would be participating until moments before it happened.
Let me explain. Shortly before 9:30 over the loud speakers, a US Airways gate attendant announced that an Honor Flight of World War II veterans would be arriving momentarily and encouraged anyone passing by to help greet them. Five or six people looked like they were officially part of the welcoming committee, and the rest of the people in the secure section of the airport were regular old travelers going somewhere. Then I had a terrible thought. What if these veterans came off the plane and just those five or six individuals were there to greet them. I walked a gate over to help see the veterans out.
But – then it happened and frankly, I wasn’t expecting it. All throughout the terminal, people left their gates and gathered around gate 38. A few active military personnel in plain clothes approached the gate attendant and politely asked if they could join in the salute within the jet way as the heros first stepped off the plane. Every human being in the terminal stood at attention and faced the door.'
(Excerpt) Read more at mullerover.com ...
I went to the 75th anniversary of the B-17 that was held at a huge hangar on Boeing Field. At our table were 2 actual B-17 pilots - one had photos. 26 missions.
There was sort of an Olympic style opening ceremony parade in which actual Rosie the Riverters, tailgunners, pilots, other crew members and others walked around in a parade while we audience members gave a continual standing ovation.
There were videos of what went on in the making and flying of these planes and the importance to the USA.
So many of us were crying - it was a stunning event. One of the things we heard said over and over “why isn’t this being taught in the schools?” Most of these people were barely more than children and what they did was monumental.
Compare that to the thing in the White House and it is just sickening. I’m reminded of the words about how freedom isn’t free - you have to keep fighting for it.
Thanks for sharing this.
Kinda gives you a little hope for the future of our Country.
God Bless our Vets.
Semper Fi.
Same story here with my dad, he loved it.
Honor. Must be earned.
Ah! You made me cry!
Thank you for posting.
dare you to watch dry eyed
Damn screen went blurry almost immediately.
How appropriate this happened at Reagan National Airport.
Reagan never forget the vets or the active duty personnel.
I have thanked a few WW2 vets—one was a USS Franklin sailor—look it up—they are so thankful for the recognition.
In the video, you see them come off the plane, walking straight as possible, knowing they faced the enemy 70 years ago and won. And led honorable lives.
Soon, they will not pass this way again.
sniff....what a wonderful story!!
Well ya just teared up this old swaggering Texan.
God has blessed America, and perhaps we still deserve His blessing.
I was fortunate to be flying out of BWI when one of these flights arrived. At least 150 people gathered to welcome these brave veterans.
It brought tears to everyone’s eyes.
I was fortunate to be flying out of BWI when one of these flights arrived. At least 150 people gathered to welcome these brave veterans.
It brought tears to everyone’s eyes.
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