Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Welcoming Home Honor Flight Veterans




Last Saturday, we were invited to go to the Palm Beach International Airport to welcome home the veterans and their guardians who were on the Honor Flight to Washington DC for the day.


I had never been to one of these events but it was amazing. I didn’t know what to expect but the crowd that showed up was phenomenal! I was so proud of all the people who felt like this was an important event to show up for.

The patriotism I felt all around me was so heartwarming!

My cousin’s daughter, Christine,  was one of the guardians and she escorted her veteran, Jerry, to DC. Her description of her experience was astounding! She explained that you can sign up to volunteer for this and have to go to training for it. Then she paid for her ticket and her veteran’s ticket to DC.

When they arrived home and saw the crowd, I think many of the veterans were shocked. As they passed through the crowds, many shook hands with the people as the people thanked the veterans for their service. Many veterans were in tears and so were many people in the crowds.

I’m so thankful for all the effort, planning, and money that made this trip possible for so many veterans. If you ever have a chance to welcome the veteran’s home from this trip, please take the opportunity to go. You won’t regret it!

Have you ever welcomed home the veterans? Have you ever been on an Honor Flight as a veteran or guardian? Please share.

Original photo by Pat Hensley


1 comment:

Christine Cunningham said...

Thank you so much for writing a blog post on this event. It was the most personally rewarding volunteer work that I have done. Every single person wanted to be there. I also wanted to note that I met “my” veteran just two weeks before our flight. In that short period of time, I met with him and his girlfriend just twice. We built an incredible relationship.

I’m honored to have shared Jerry’s “last mission” with him as his guardian. An experience I will never ever forget or take for granted.

Thank you again for being there, you made my night. You’re such a special part of my family. XO