The Honor Flight, What an Event For me!!

[solo1]

I can't begin to describe it. All that I can say is the Korean War is Forgotten no longer.
The welcoming , the arrangements, everything!

The spirit of WWII and Korean War veterans.  Th oldest veteran on our flight was a 97 year old who played "Amazing Grace' on the harmonica for us on the flight.

The greetings, both at Reagan National and Ft. Wayne International airports were unbelievable

If you're interested I intend to write a summary for my chapter of the Korean War veterans and also post it on here.!

I inadvertently erased ALL of my pics from my Nikon 510 of the trip.  However, I did have a backup on my Canon 1100S . Award for Dumb S*** will be included in all the stuff that I got.

[The emperor has no clothes]

That's awesome Wayne  . I'm looking forward to the follow up report.

[vanagon40]

Wayne,

It is good to hear that you were repaid in some small measure for your service to our country.  A well deserved honor.

[RainMaker]

I, for one, am looking forward to your report.  I always wanted my father-in-law to go on one of these flights but it just didn't happen.

So happy for you, Wayne.

RainMaker

[Firefighter]

We support 'Honor Flight" way down here in South Texas. Harlingen Fire does fund raising events and our airport firefighters (ARFF) use two trucks for the "water salute", where they make an arch of water over the arriving and departing airliner carrying these VIP's.

You are really appreciated, Thanyou!

[solo1]

You can find lots of photos on the Honor Flight on Facebook, Honor Flight NE Indiana (flight 19). These were taken by the staff . I'm  in four or five of them, along with Mark.  Unfortunately, being the wisearse sometimes, there is one that stands out. It was at the last stop of the day, the Air Force Memorial. Micheal, on the staff, I guess, felt that it warranted posting.

I'll probably post a few pics but the Facebook ones tell the story better.  My written post will mention things that I personally liked. For example the color of the tables at the breakfast before going.

BTW, there were about 50 WWII vets and about 36 Korean War Vets.  Total on the flight exceeded about 180.
Another flight was due in Reagan at 5PM.  23 vets from Alaska.

[Black Dog]

Good for you Wayne.  You deserved that trip, and if it had the same effect on you, as it did on my dad, you now feel a sense of pride that may have been missing for a while.

Can't wait for the report!

Black Dog

[old2soon]

Wayne-I am standing at attention Saluting you before I posted.   Happy you got to go on Your Honor Flight. Every time one is on the news here you can tell all that have attended have enjoyed what they have been a part of-AGAIN. Here in my area they are starting to take Nam Vets. Wayne-Thank You for Your Service. And-Welcome Home.

[..]

 

[Jess from VA]

[solo1]

That's me in the pic, the back row, the taller one just to the right of the base of the main fountain, in a black jacket.

[solo1]

One of the interesting events of the Honor flight was at Reagan National airport'
We arrived at the departure gate 38 and there were many men and women dressed up in the Forties clothes and styles.  Music like "Cliffs of Dover" and other Forties Hits were playing and they were dancing to it, along with a few untired vets.  The ladies had lipstick and hairdos and those flowery skirts, one man was wearing a Zoot Suit (RED!) with matching hat. One of the ladies wanted me to dance but i was too pooped to do that.  However, here's a picture taken  by a friend of me of me with one of these 'Dolls"  It was Swell!!"  I could go on and on!

[MAD6Gun]

 I had a great time being my dad's gardian.  There were many highlights to the day but one of the best happened as dad and I were resting on a bench near the Korean memorial. A young man probably late twenties came up to us with his Korean girlfriend.  He kind of choked up thanking dad for his service. He was a vet himself and served as a MP in Iraq.  His girlfriend teared up as she too thanked dad for his service in protecting her homeland. We talked to them for 15 or 20 minutes.  

 Many times during the day the vets were thanked for their service and deservedly so.  Many school age kids at the WWII memorial thanking them all. Rousing welcomes at Reagan international as we came off the plane. Including what looked like many traveler's just stopping during thier travels to say thank you. It was hard not to tear up over this. Not to mention the welcome home when we got home last night at Fort Wayne airport. From the time we got off the plane till we got to the parking lot. It was awesome..........

[Valkorado]

  and THANK YOU!

[FLAVALK]

My dad did the honor flight a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad you did too 

[Karen]

Glad you and others are getting the remembrances and honors for their service while still able to appreciate and acknowledge your celebration. All for simply doing what needed to be done at the time, thank God and your parents for your values. You and others like yourself have given us these "each days that are gifts", thank you, sir!

[czuch]

Glad you went.
I try to make every PGR send off and welcome home here in Tucson.
As the guys and gals get off the plane they're absolutely tuckered out. As soon as they see the welcome turn out, there's a spring in the step and a twinkle in the eye as they walk past us.
Its the best.

[cookiedough]

glad you enjoyed and you deserved it.

Did you by chance happen to see all the other memorials nearby like the Roosevelt and Lincoln memorial?  I thought Roosevelt and Lincoln were well done as well and although not as fancy with the Roosevelt one,  the way it was spread out with a lot of small statues and wordings were well done.

[scooperhsd]

Wayne - glad you enjoyed the trip, and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE !!