Witnessing an Honor Flight for our WWII Veterans

The Lord really seems to be leading me to my niche in photography.  He keeps placing me in these heart wrenching situations, happy ones, that touch me so deeply.  Last week as I departed my flight home from Texas there was a large gathering of people at a nearby gate.  Many of which were older gentlemen in wheelchairs, several were younger military folks of various uniforms and ranks.  My first assumption was that this was a group of veterans.  Then I saw a t-shirt that said "Honor Flight".  It stopped my breath.  I thought it was one of our dear soldiers returning home having paid the ultimate sacrifice. Sadness overcame me and I got all choked up.


Soon after I was advised that indeed this was not the flight of a soldier passed on, but a celebration of sorts.  A gathering to escort WWII veterans to various parts of the world to visit their war memorials.  I was so touched.  I was beside myself.  And I wanted to so badly to go to each of those gentlemen, shake their hands and thank them for their service.. but they were encircled by this group almost as if protectively and then they moved on.


We went on to baggage, my heart heavy but with joy for this program and appreciation for our soldiers.  Then an announcement was made.  I was so proud of the Baltimore Airport.  They announced that a group of heroes would be joining us in baggage in a moment and asked us to please applaud them and show our appreciation.  Unfortunately there was only a smattering of people in baggage at that time.  I found myself wishing that it was slammed as it generally was and that these men would get a sense of appreciation.  Sadly I was only one of about 3 people who clapped.  Most just looked on as though this amazing parade was just a bunch of old men in wheelchairs.  Quite frankly I was embarrassed for all of the people there who took these men for granted and seemingly could have cared less.


I clapped until every last soldier entered the area.  The airport even announced at least once more that there were heroes in our presence.  I was ashamed that they had to beg for applause for these men.  It was so sad.  Here I am.. pretty much all alone in my appreciation of them and the people traveling with me thinking I had lost my mind... I had tears streaming down my face.  Actually, even as I type this there are tears streaming down my face.  Some would find that rediculous.  Then a young boy, maybe 10, went up to the soldiers and was shaking their hands.. I burst out crying with pride that his parents had given him enough appreciation that he wanted to reach out to these men.


I have no idea where my sense of pride for my country and our military came from.  Regrettably, I didn't care for history in school and didn't learn about it.  My knowledge of our countries history is nearly non-existent, including anything military related.  I think about it often when something like this comes up.  My Daddy was in the Airforce during Vietnam, I have some wonderful pictures of him as a young soldier.  My Pop was in the Army (man I hope thats right) and I very much cherish the few stories he's shared with me such as the time he laid under the tread of an enemy tank, hidden in his tiny little trench for a couple of hours.. any minute of which could have seen him killed under the thing.  My incredible husband is retired military.  I had actually considered it myself before I went to college. Yet none of these things seem to be the root of this incredible emotion I feel for our country, our flag, other patriots and our military.  But its genuine love.  There have been a couple of times in airports that I have approached members of our military and thanked them for their service.  More often though, I sit there wishing I had the courage to do so.  I don't want to bother them.. and isn't that a shame!


I was fortunate on this date to cross the path of this group once again.  I watched them load the bus, load their luggage and supplies and then the uniformed military escorts lined up in front of the bus.  They passed out flags to bystanders to wave them and show the honor of these men who would drive past them.  As the bus began to move the soldiers all saluted, the men in the bus saluted back (Which made me cry harder)  It was such a touching scene.  I pray that I get calls to go and meet our military with their families when they arrive home.  It's such an honor to be a part of these incredible moments.  I am very thankful to have been in just the right place at just the right time to have been a witness and tiny participant in this small episode.


I came right home and researched the Honor Flight Volunteer group. I've just completed filling out my volunteer application today.. WILL YOU?  Here's the website.


http://www.honorflight.org