I just returned from a fabulous weekend in Washington, D.C., that was almost overwhelming for me.
I was a guest of Honor Flight Network, a nonprofit organization’s program that included my flight, hotel, and all my meals. They bused us veterans to visit the World War II, Korean, Vietnam and Air Force memorials, the Lincoln Memorial and other sites in that beautiful city. It was all free for me and only cost $400 for my guardian.
Because we veterans were near or older than age 90 we were pampered by the organization’s volunteers as well as those who accompanied us vets on the trip. I saw many father-son combos as well as father-daughter. The welcoming we received by many people, including tourists at the memorials, brought me to tears. Lots of clapping of hands and voices saying “Thank you” and women hugging us, plus men shaking our hands. One little boy about 8 years old thanked me and shook my hand. It was very touching.
A roster we received after our return showed there were 110 vets and guardians for the weekend from all over the United States and 24 of us from the state of Washington. If you know of any vets who have not taken advantage of this program, please urge them to do so at http://www.honorflight.org.
