airdvr 210 #1 August 16, 2012 http://www.honorflight.org/ I was fortunate enough to accompany my 86yo father to DC yesterday. Very long day that started at 3am and ended at midnite. 25 WWII and Korea vets, each accompanied by a guardian fly into BWI, hop on a bus and visit the WWII , Vietnam, Korea, Marine, and Lincoln memorials, and Arlington. 25 fun old guys, many of whom can't walk the distances necessary so they are pushed on wheelchairs by their guardians. Some very poignant moments of the day... At the WWII memorial a french woman in her mid 40's came up and thanked all of the vets. She spoke no english but it was obvious she was sincere. All day total strangers thanked the vets. A water cannon salute on landing at BWI Bagpipe salute upon return to CLE. By far the most touching moment was Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I've seen video of the changing of the guard ceremony several times but never in person. I challenge any of you to keep a dry eye. Have to admit my first reaction when asked was I'm too busy and don't have time. So glad i didn't pass on this. If you get a chance and can help I strongly suggest you do. You'll make a vets day. http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm192/airdvr1227/IMAG0313.jpg Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #2 August 16, 2012 "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #3 August 16, 2012 Quote By far the most touching moment was Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I've seen video of the changing of the guard ceremony several times but never in person. I challenge any of you to keep a dry eye. That is a very powerful memorial, isn't it? No one should ever forget what we owe to those selfless, brave men and women. I need to get back to the mall. I haven't seen it since they did the WWII memorial. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billeisele 130 #4 August 16, 2012 We've been doing these from Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach and Charleston SC since 2009. There have been 18 flights. Next two are in September and November. The vets are greeted at the airport by all kinds of folks for the departure. We've had them escorted into DC by F-16's. We've had our Congressmen greet tham at the memorial. When they return home the reception is overwhelming. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, adults, kids, a band - all waving flags. Many of them have never spoken about their experience - why - "because all I did was my duty, not supposed to boast." It gets them talking when an unknown 8-year old hugs their leg and when other folks thank them for their service. It is worth going. Sponsor a vet and be their escort - an event you will never forget.Give one city to the thugs so they can all live together. I vote for Chicago where they have strict gun laws. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #5 August 17, 2012 I would be honored to participate......---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billeisele 130 #6 August 17, 2012 QuoteI would be honored to participate...... go here and volunteer http://www.honorflightsc.com/Give one city to the thugs so they can all live together. I vote for Chicago where they have strict gun laws. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
