Flight of Honor

We're going to do something a little different today.  There's no review, no talk of cartoon characters or superheroes.  There will be talk of heroes, however, though of the more real world variety.  My uncle requested that I do this. Normally, such a thing is relegated to those who would contribute at the appropriate patreon level; but one thing you learn as an Italian is that you never go against the family.

My uncle enlisted in the military during the Korean War, following in the footsteps of my grandfather who was a part of the Norwegian resistance during World War II and blew up several bridges (this is an inside joke that NOBODY is going to get, but I threw it in anyway because that's how I roll.)  He was stationed in Texas, though that was not his call to make.

Never the less, he was asked by two of his neighbors (who served in the Vietnam War) to partake in what is known as an honor flight.  What's an honor flight? Well, you'll see.

My uncle received a notice six months later letting him know that he was being considered.  In August, he got a phone call letting him know that there was a spot available for him on the 29th of October.

The day finally came.  My uncle had to get up at 2 in the morning so that he could be ready to be picked up at 3:30.  He was driven to Fort Myers airport, where the lobby was set up to welcome the group. There were 67 veterans in total who were brought on this venture; 5 of said vets were even ones that served in World War 2.  Said veterans were split into three color based groups: red, blue, and green.  Each vet was given a hat, a jacket, and a shirt.

Each veteran was assigned a guardian, whose primary objective was to make sure that the veterans didn't hurt themselves.  If one was to fall, said guardian was to either catch said vet or put themselves in between to act as a cushion for the fall.

My uncle's guardian was a young man from Naples named Matt Rios.  He was a senior in high school and served in the ROTC for four years.

Interestingly, Matt was somewhat nervous.  Apparently, he had never flown before, but he carried himself well and also expressed some excitement over the prospect.

The vets were each given a wheelchair and then taken to the boarding gate where a nice breakfast was provided: sausage, croissants, even bacon.

At 6 am, the vets boarded the plane.   Fire trucks were placed on each side of the plane, where they showered the plane as a show of salute.

2 hours later, the plane landed at Reagan International Airport, where another set of fire trucks waited to greet them with another water salute.

Waiting for the vets in the jet way was a band to welcome them with song.  There were also hundreds of spectators who had shown up because they wanted to honor those who served.  It was quite a gesture that resonated with the war heroes, but this was just the beginning.

The vets than proceeded to the bus area, where 3 buses waited for each color group.  The driver told them not to be frightened.  If you're wondering why people would be afraid of a bus ride, it's because this was a bus ride unlike any other.  There was a police escort and the bus was allowed to run red lights, drive up the wrong way on one way streets, and even go in the grass if that's what it took to get to where they were going.

In addition to an adrenaline rush, the buses had nurses, full time photographers, and snacks.

The first stop was the World War II monument.  Not only was the trip a great way to thank the living veterans, but doing this also commemorated those who had served and sacrificed.  While there, a picture was taken with all of the vets and guardians to mark the occasion.

The next stop on the grand tour was the air force memorial.  Much like the prior stop, this was a great way to honor those who served, both living and deceased.  It was here where the group was provided a nice lunch: sandwich, fruit, and even fries.  Whether said fries were French or Tuscan, I don't know.

The third stop was supposed to be the marine monument, but the marines were having some kind of race, so the group had to settle for just being driven around it to see the location.

Up next, came the Arlington National Cemetery.  The vets were all put into wheelchairs and moved so that they could get the best view of the changing of the guard.  They also got to visit the tomb of the unknown soldier.

The fifth and final stop was the Lincoln Memorial.  Here, the group was taken off the bus so that they could also go see the Vietnam wall, as well as the Korean exhibit.

At 4 pm, everybody went back to the airport, where they had dinner before flying back to Ft. Myers.

The vets were taken off the plane, put into wheelchairs and brought out to the terminal.

Awaiting them, was perhaps the biggest surprise of all.  Now, from what my uncle told me, those who run the program don't want word of this part getting out; as they want to maintain the surprise factor.  While I was told what happened, I think I'll gloss over it.  I don't know if a mere spoiler warning would be sufficient in this case.

The important thing to know is that the vets were incredibly moved by the gesture as it was perhaps the greatest display of gratitude seen thus far.

Really, that's what the whole thing is about, thanking those who served.  Ironically, despite being called an "honor flight" the airport was kind of peripheral, barring the big finale.  I suppose "honor bus tour" doesn't quite have the same ring to it.  Still, it's a great idea and from what I heard, those who attended both enjoyed and appreciated the endeavor.