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Post a reply to: VETERANS DAY
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[StartQuote] Two local WWII combat veteran friends recently went to Washington DC in Sept and October courtesy of the Honor Flight Network. For those who may not know, they provide free of charge a guided, comfortable tour of our nation's capitol, the WWII Memorial, Arlington Nat'l Cemetery simply to honor them for their service. It is a non-profit organization funded entirely by donations. Bert (87, one of the youngin's he said) sent me photos of that very special occasion and wrote to me about his experiences. He said he was "Blown Away" by the courtesies and appreciation shown to him. Some of his words: ""the guardians assigned to us treated us like royalty" - "everywhere we went, we were met by cheering crowds" - "our 3 buses were seen off by the fire department with a water bow; escorted by the highway patrol; Air National Guardsmen assisted us on the plane while they cheered loudly" - "when we landed at BWI, the plane passed thru another water bow"... he went on and on... Last week Don drove 50-miles into town for a VA appointment to get a shot, and called me at the last minute at lunch hour. We sat together in his truck (he still drives at 93), and he showed me the newspaper article of his visit, and the fantastic letters that were written to him and the other veterans by school children. They received the letters while on the plane. Don spoke as if he were embarrased for all the attention, but also had a sparkle in his eye, because he was touched. He said: "the welcoming committee in Wichita took my breath away, and I had tears coming out of my eyes... I couldn't help it. I had never had such a happy trip or anything in my life happening that way. It was so great." That same night he was driving 80 miles to speak to a group in Kansas about the Honor Flight, hoping to raise funds for others to go. I can only imagine how that day must have been for them. This will be something they will always remember. But as I am trying to absorb this special event through their eyes, I can't help but imagine also what they went through when their lives were on the line... for us. They will always be burdened with those difficult times as well - those things they never really wanted to talk about - and WE must never forget. It is wonderful that Bert and Don have experienced first hand now that there are many of us 'out here' that are eternally grateful to them - at the same time, it is sad to me that they were 'so surprised' - for without their sacrifice and countless others we would likely not be enjoying the freedoms that we have today. It is my hope that we will be a more grateful America to all. Each one who serves deserves to know that others do care and appreciate them. My dear mother always reminded me that "smiles are free", and as Earl and Mark have expressed, a hug means a lot, and is definitely understood. Thank you all for your time in service to our great country. Randy Finfrock[EndQuote]
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