Honor Flight...
Korean Vets
For those who proudly served America
After arriving at Reagan International Airport, our local veterans, many in their mid-to-late eighties, received a warm and hearty hero's welcome from hundreds of the nation's residents, city workers, government representatives, law enforcement members, and airport personnel. Thanks, needs to be given to American Airlines for the “FREE” donation of their aircraft, during this commemoration of Honor Flight number five hundred.
Moreover, the sacrifice that the flight crew personnel made to this event was greatly recognized, because everyone volunteered to work this flight on their day-off, so our veterans could experience a day of joy and celebration. The crowds at Reagan International Airport, consisted of local business, school children, high school bands, ROTC units, and representatives of every branch of our military service, as they lined up along hallways, walkways, sidewalks, and streets leading into the capital. This was their opportunity to salute these brave men and women who helped bring freedom to the nation of Korea, some sixty-two years ago. In addition, many veterans from the Washington, DC along with the Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle group were in attendance to offer their support to our Korean War brothers and sisters.
From Regan International, the buses headed towards the grandeur of the day and the pathway through our nation's capital was an arduous one for some of our veterans. As Ernie and Baxter had mentioned to us that Monday night at the Legion Hall, they had to walk miles of sideways, while many pushed wheelchairs, and they climb mountains of stairs to see the various memorials that lined the streets of the capital. The site for the day was the Korean Memorial, yet other various memorials such as the WW II Memorial, Vietnam Wall, and the changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery were also cheerful and tearful places to reminisce. It is honest to say that these Korean War veterans received a full-day of the honor they have long deserved and thanks to these men and women, of every branch of service, South Korea still thrives as a nation of “freedom and democracy” today. The day ended with our veterans returning to the Asheville Airport at approximately 8:30 p.m. where they were greeted by crowds of fellow American Legionaries, many Patriot Guard Riders, political dignitaries, law enforcement, and multitudes of well-wishers. It was a long day for all of those involved and it was quite enjoyable for everyone, however, many seemed glad to be back in the mountains and heading home for some much-deserved rest.
In closing, it is reasonable to say that every legion member in the hall that Monday night was deeply moved as we listened to these “comrades-in-arms” describe their humbling and eventful trip. The enormous amount of time, money, energy, and logistics in this undertaking of making another veteran's memory of war seem much better was a monumental undertaking. Lyn Lazar and her staff, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Andy Shaw Ford, and many others deserve our thanks for their dedication to making this trip a success. Thanks also to the countless civilians and military personnel who lined the entire pathway from Asheville to the Korean Memorial and back again with love for these surviving members of a war forgotten by many. Finally, let us not forget the sacrificial “yellow-shirt” guardians who made this trip on their own dime and their own time, that others would be able to experience such an honorable day, hence the name “Honor Flight.”
From Regan International, the buses headed towards the grandeur of the day and the pathway through our nation's capital was an arduous one for some of our veterans. As Ernie and Baxter had mentioned to us that Monday night at the Legion Hall, they had to walk miles of sideways, while many pushed wheelchairs, and they climb mountains of stairs to see the various memorials that lined the streets of the capital. The site for the day was the Korean Memorial, yet other various memorials such as the WW II Memorial, Vietnam Wall, and the changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery were also cheerful and tearful places to reminisce. It is honest to say that these Korean War veterans received a full-day of the honor they have long deserved and thanks to these men and women, of every branch of service, South Korea still thrives as a nation of “freedom and democracy” today. The day ended with our veterans returning to the Asheville Airport at approximately 8:30 p.m. where they were greeted by crowds of fellow American Legionaries, many Patriot Guard Riders, political dignitaries, law enforcement, and multitudes of well-wishers. It was a long day for all of those involved and it was quite enjoyable for everyone, however, many seemed glad to be back in the mountains and heading home for some much-deserved rest.
In closing, it is reasonable to say that every legion member in the hall that Monday night was deeply moved as we listened to these “comrades-in-arms” describe their humbling and eventful trip. The enormous amount of time, money, energy, and logistics in this undertaking of making another veteran's memory of war seem much better was a monumental undertaking. Lyn Lazar and her staff, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Andy Shaw Ford, and many others deserve our thanks for their dedication to making this trip a success. Thanks also to the countless civilians and military personnel who lined the entire pathway from Asheville to the Korean Memorial and back again with love for these surviving members of a war forgotten by many. Finally, let us not forget the sacrificial “yellow-shirt” guardians who made this trip on their own dime and their own time, that others would be able to experience such an honorable day, hence the name “Honor Flight.”
One fallen veteran known only to God... and remember by a grateful nation!
