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Honoring the Greatest Generation
(July 5, 2010) |
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| WASHINGTON (6/30/2010 - MCN) — An American Airlines passenger jet approached
the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, making a smooth touchdown on
the tarmac. As the plane taxied to the gate two massive fire engines
employed their water cannons, creating an arc over the aircraft.
Kathy Kierce, a volunteer with the airport's United Service Organizations,
said the impressive welcome was a sign of respect to the Central Illinois
World War II veterans who flew in courtesy of the Honor Flight Program on
June 29.
The guests of honor were among the last passengers to exit the plane,
beginning with a distinguished white-haired gentleman who had the look of
astonishment on his face as dozens of passengers greeted him with applause
and cheers while reaching out to shake his hand. The rest of the WWII
veterans followed, eyes wide and full of appreciation.The first Honor
Flight took place in May 2005 when retired Air Force Capt. Earl Morse
utilized his aviator skills to take a WWII veteran to the memorial honoring
the Greatest Generation before he passed away. Today, the Honor Flight
Program flies hundreds of veterans to the nation's capital each month free
of charge to see the World War II Memorial and various other monuments
scattered throughout the National Capital Area. |
Veterans of the Central Illinois Honor Flight salute for a group
photo in front of the World War II Memorial on June 29, 2010.
Honor Flights take WWII veterans to the nation's capital for
free so they can see the memorial during their lifetime. |
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After the veterans received a hero's welcome in the terminal, they were
escorted by volunteers or family members, called guardians, to a bus waiting
to take them to the World War II Memorial. Dedicated on May 29, 2004, the
World War II Memorial lies between the Washington Monument and Lincoln
Memorial.
“It's a very rewarding experience, there's nothing like it,” said
Christopher Carter, a guardian with the Central Illinois Honor Flight.
All of the retired Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen said they were
impressed with the memorial's design.
“It's bigger than I thought it would be, and I love the layout,” said Harold
Maynard Jr., who served in the Navy during WWII. “I've been to D.C. before,
but that was years ago and the memorial wasn't here.”
Their next stop included a brief photo opportunity in front of the Navy
Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue. Shortly thereafter, they visited the Korean
War Memorial and Lincoln Memorial. While touring the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial, several Honor Flight participants studied the names of the men and
women immortalized in stone, running their fingers over the mirror-like
black granite wall. |
ARLINGTON, Va.-Veterans and guardians from various Honor Flights head to their next stop in the nation's capital after visiting the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., on June 29, 2010. More than two dozen World War II veterans visited the area for free, courtesy of the Honor Flight Program. |
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Following their visit to the National
Mall, the group crossed into Virginia and
stopped at the Marine Corps War Memorial. The
monument depicts the second flag raising during
the Battle of Iwo Jima and serves as an iconic
image, synonymous with the Marine Corps.
The tour concluded at the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery where
veterans watched members of the Army's 3rd
Infantry Honor Guard perform the ceremonial
changing of the guard.
“Those guys were pretty good, but Marines
could've done it better,” said WWII Marine
Gordon D. Bien jokingly.
The group also received a ride-by view of the
Air Force Memorial while returning to the
airport. |
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“I can't find words to express the gratitude for the opportunity,” Bien
said. “We all enjoyed a lifetime experience.” | |
Article and photo by USMC Pfc. Christofer P. Baines
Headquarters Marine Corps
Copyright 2010
Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
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