@Patrick_A will be going on one later this year and would love to know more!
Photo from: Things to Do in DC - Visit the Vietnam War Memorial
I will be going to the Traveling Wall with mom. She wants to go since dad was in the war (and ultimately being in the war is what caused his death since the VA ruled his death was service related) and it will be in Stillwater, MN July 25-28.
For those that have been to the Traveling Wall before this is the new improved one. Several mistakes were corrected, and the names are machine engraved so you can make pencil rubbings.
Never taken an “Honor Flight” but I have visited each of the War/Veteran’s memorials in DC as well as Arlington National and the Tomb of The Unknowns.
If you ever want to walk among heroes our national memorials and veterans cemeteries are where you can.
My mother in law and father in law have. If @Patrick_A is on Facebook I can put him in touch with them. I’m sure they would be more than happy to share their experience.
Yes, I did an Honor Flight as a guardian to an 89 year old WWII veteran. It was a very rewarding experience. He was a widower and had no transportation so I picked him up @ 4:00 a.m. so we could be at the airport for 5:00 a.m. for our Honor Flight out of Palm Beach International airport. Spent all day with him and made sure he was comfortable and had everything he needed. He had forgotten to pack his needed medicine so I made sure he got some through the Honor Flight Emergency Services and he was set to go.
Just listening to him and other veterans on the flight was such a learning experience. Those veterans of wwII really went though hell as young men and I learned to really appreciate and get a better understanding of what they went through which ensured Our Freedom (I know it sounds corny, but until you talk to them and they open up then you understand)
He had a great day got lots of pictures of him at the different memorials. His reaction at the WWII memorial was awesome and it hit home for him. Unbelievable.
The Honor Flight Organization if top notch outfit and they really got their act together. Everything was taken care of and they really treat the veterans as VIPs (which they are.) We even got police escorts throughout Washington, D.C. so no time is spent in traffic and more time spent at each memorial.
A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR ALL INVOLVED. I recommend anyone willing to put in a long day and having respect for veterans to go ahead and be a Guardian, well worthwhile.
Thank you for suggesting the contact but please note that I do not have a Facebook account. I did review videos of recent Honor Flights from South Florida airports( West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale) and am impressed with the scheduled events in Washington DC and enthusiastic crowds reactions when the veterans return to their home area airports.
Really looking forward to my flight.
Best,
Patrick
You’re very welcome. They were both guardians and from what they said had an absolute blast! I hope you have a great time as well!
I have not but would go if opportunity opens for me.