A Flight of Honor

Yesterday I Had the travel experience of a lifetime. I accompanied more than fifty World war Two Veterans from the St. Louis area on an "Honor Flight" to Washington, DC. These men and women truly are our "Greatest Generation". Members of this group raised the American flag over Hitler's Eagle's nest, were part of the Bataan Death March, liberated Dachau and the list goes on and on. These hero's of our Nation were given a trip to visit the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Iwo Jimi Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery where they witnessed a changing of the guard at Tomb of the Unknowns. Were it not for their military hats, insignias and a few medals, these elderly men and women would have gone totally unnoticed. But yesterday they were the recipients of a great deal of well deserved acknowledgment and thanks. I was there to video tape a documentary of their day of recognition. As we left St. Louis at 6:35am, the employees of American Airlines surprised these Vets with acknowledgments from the PA set. As our plane pushed back from the gate, a baggage tug on each side of the plane accompanied us to the taxi way with huge American flags flying as a salute to these Veterans. Upon our arrival at Reagan National Airport our plane was given a water cannon salute from the airport fire department. What happened next had me swallowing hard and fighting back tears. Apparently an announcement was made that these Vets were about to arrive. I honestly think we may have shut down the airport because it appeared that everyone waiting to board other flights came to our gate to stand and cheer and shake the hands of these deserving Veterans. I was stunned by the genuine respect given to these men and women. At the WWII Memorial two college aged young ladies spontaneously sang the National Anthem to these Vets because they "just thought it was appropriate" That did bring a tear to my eyes! Elizabeth Dole came to meet our group (her husband, Bob Dole, was preparing for knee replacement surgery) and personally thanked each member of our group. Every where we went these Veterans were greeted with standing ovations, cheers and handshakes. On the return flight the Vets were surprised by a true "Mail Call". Each Vet received a packet of cards and letters of thanks from hometown school students, family members, business leaders and more. When deplaning in St. Louis they were again greeted with cheers and handshakes from other travelers and after clearing the secured area, were greeted by at least 200 people with cheers, banners, handshakes, hugs and tears. This was an incredible experience for me and I am sure it was an experience of a lifetime for these well deserving WWII Veterans. Today I documented the "naturalization" of 52 new American Citizens from 20 different countries, but that is another story. All I can say is that I am proud to be an American and thank full that I was able to witness these events that make our country so great. I am truly humbled and thank my host for this unbelievable opportunity.