I recently went with 127 WWII veterans to Washington DC. I was a guardian on the 6th Honor Flight, a flight which takes WWII veterans to see their monument. I was honored to be there when my grandfather not only flew in an airplane for the first time in his life but saw Washington and his monument. It was a day that was very emotional. Many of the veterans were teary eyed all day long, you could see pride and humbleness at the same time in their eyes. Other veterans had a smile on their faces that never left the entire day. My grandfather loved every moment of his experience. He met up with old friends, he saw monuments and places that he never thought he would see, he was honored like never before in his life. My grandfather has a GREAT sense of humor (for my students who are wondering....yes, that's where I get it). He kept his guardian in stitches all day long although Papa and I wonder if she really got a lot of his jokes. On the flight back while all the guardians, who were younger, were recovering from a day that began around 3AM Papa was deep in conversation and wise cracks with all the other veterans around him. I sat and watched him and realized just how wonderful he is and how lucky America is to have had such a great man take up arms for her. I'm sure the other 126 veterans are just as wonderful. I know the honoree that I had the privilege of escorting all day, Ted, is a wonderful man. He is a man that loves his family and his Lord. We talked about our families and our lives. His eyes sparkled when he saw the WWII monument, he stood and studied every area and was visibly honored to be there.
Today on Veteran's Day I think about these 127 men and women and I feel proud that I shared a part of their lives and that they were willing to go to war to protect my country. My grandfather doesn't speak much about his experience but I understand. The parts I do know are things that would haunt me if I had experienced them as he had. I do know that he loves life and his family and he is loved by many.
Thank you Papa and thank you to all the veterans from all the branches of the military that have served here and abroad. Your willingness to leave what you know and protect me can never be repaid.
Students: Write a thank you letter to our veterans. Remember do not leave your last name on this blog. Tell the other students that there is a new blog to respond to. I'll see you on Monday!