I know all of us have done this…what I've done with my blog.
Started something with the idea that you would keep up with it for a long time.
Oh, well. I really have to forgive myself and let it go; otherwise I would just
sit and feel badly. So, now that I've said that, let me share today’s blog…
This week there was a story on one of the local new programs
about an Honor Flight going from Nashville to Washington DC. And it reminded me
of the Honor Flight I was privileged to participate in. I escorted my mother from Decherd, TN to Washington DC a
few yeas ago. All I can say, is if you know anyone who served in WWII, please
get information for them about a local Honor Flight and consider escorting them,
especially a relative.
Like the title says, we went to Washington DC and came back
in less than 24 hours. We left Mom’s apartment in Decherd at about 3:30 a.m.,
drove to the local Wal-Mart and boarded a bus for the Huntsville airport. I
don’t remember the date, but it was when Huntsville had no electricity. We
drove all the way though Huntsville and to the airport in total darkness. The
first lights we saw were the airport lights. Very interesting…
On the way down, T-shirts were handed out for everyone. One
of the volunteers had made biscuits and bacon and ham. These were offered to
everyone, because who wanted breakfast at 3:30 a.m. Once we arrived at the
airport, we were taken by carts to the inspection area and then on to the gate.
We left as it was getting daylight and flew to the Baltimore Washington
International Airport.
This was one of the most emotional and uplifting experiences
I've ever had. The only other thing that comes close was when I did Crusillo in
Monteagle, TN. Even now as I tell this, tears stream down my face.
Before we landed, an announcement was made that because this
was an Honor Flight there might be a special shower for us. As we got closer to
the gate, we drove between two fire trucks that showered the plane with water, spraying
it up in the air with it falling back down on the plane. The other passengers stood and applauded.
Some near the vets, shook their hands and thanked them. Remember, we all had on
those beautiful blue shirts.
Once we left the plane, at the gate, a
long line of service people in uniform waited for us and they applauded as we passed, some reaching
out to shake hands and say "thank you." This is where my first tears began to
surface. Things only got more intense…
(to be continued along with an explanation of the photo above)
