Early in the morning of May 20…They arrived at Bluegrass Airport…'mostly' as strangers.
But as the patriotic notes filled the air…
"America"
…and the thank yous began
I know I speak for everyone here when I say, "thank you!"
Each of the veterans on the University of
Kentucky Honor Flight quickly bonded as they relished each moment.
After parading through the terminal and leaving the rolling hills of the Bluegrass…
They arrived in Washington DC to a special salute at Reagan National Airport.
"Off we go into the wild blue yonder…"
There, people they didn't know welcomed them like family.
Thank you, thank you!
As the veterans left the airport and traveled around the capital…taking in the many monuments…memories
started flooding back…
I quit school and went into the Navy when I was 17.
long lost friends found each other…
Let me give you a hug…how have you been?
…and some recalled the past with new friends…
We had to have our's spit shined and they came through and if they couldn't see the
face in the toes of your shoes, stomp!
Wherever they went from Arlington National Cemetery
to the World War 2 Memorial…these veterans became instant celebrities…
Thank you for your service, thank you.
As the group reflected and remembered…they made new memories, too, including a surprise
at the Lincoln Memorial
Yey!
As University of Kentucky alumni cheered their arrival.
C-A-T-S, CATS!
CATS!
…A meaningful moment for the veterans who graduated from UK.
Oh yes, it is special for me
Oh I think it’s a great thing for the University to do and I appreciate it.
You know, what his generation did for this country, we wouldn't be here today…it's
just a great day to spend.
While it was a day of celebration, it was also a day of remembrance.
At the Vietnam War Memorial…
That's the most important one to me.
…veterans searched for the names of those they lost.
I lost a lot of brothers back behind me so it's nice to come back and see them again.
If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here.
Over at the "Korean" War Memorial, visitors who were actually from Korea showed "their"
appreciation
They were thanking me and pointing to my cap.
They were thanking me.
The feelings of gratefulness, respect and reverence swelled as the group experienced
the Air Force Memorial, getting one last look at Washington DC before a special mail call
at the airport.
Fielding Lee!
Each veteran received cards and letters of support…giving many, like John Lowry, a
moment to reflect on the day…a day that was made more special because he experienced
it with a fellow veteran who happens to be his father.
Oh, it was fantastic because he is a World War II, Korea and Vietnam vet, so it's been
amazing being with him.
I have enjoyed my day very much, thank you.
But it wasn't over…
At a little before 3 am, after multiple delays …
Whoooo
…a crowd of supporters finally welcomed them home.
It was a moment one veteran never thought he would experience.
I never got to come home an airplane.
I came back on a stretcher so I never got the welcome home but when I walk through there,
I'm getting on my hands and knees and kissing the crowd.
Because it's pretty special.
It's a real big special.
It's one of those moments I'll cherish for the rest of my life.
A memory marking the sacrifice they made for each other and for us.