October 15

Clay and Papaw G were blessed to be able to participate in an Honor Flight yesterday. 86 veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and The Vietnam War were given a one-day trip to Washington DC to visit War Memorials. The day started out rough. Papaw was tired, overwhelmed, the plane ride was hard on his legs, and he was a little foggy mentally... 

... but then a young boy (with a fascination for WWII) and his parents came up to him at the WWII Memorial and asked him questions about his service. His fog lifted, and his mood perked up. He was able to stretch his legs, sit back and people watch, and began to enjoy himself.

At the Vietnam War Memorial, Papaw found the name of a former employee's son on the wall. He remembered having to tell his employee during work that her son's life had been taken in the war. He stood and played harmonica in remembrance of that man. By the end there was a large crowd surrounding him.  Papaw was later asked to play again during a wreath display. I'd say this will be a highlight of the trip for Papaw. I know it was for Clay.

Then they were welcomed home by a crowd of 400-500 people waving flags and holding signs, thanking them for their service, shaking their hands, and cheering for them. The Honor Flight gave them the welcome home they deserved, that some of them did not get the first time they came home from war. It was an honor to witness. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 Clay took most of the pictures, but I did snag a few off a local media guy who also went on the Honor Flight.

They got to the airport at 6am yesterday to begin their day and we didn't leave the airport last night until 10:30pm. That's a long day for a nearly 92 year-old. Something tells me he is going to be worn out today! 

PS - Papaw still had that lipstick on his cheek at 10pm!