Grade school students also wrote letters of thankfulness. The Honor Flight organizers contacted each of the veterans' family members to get them to write letters to the veterans. We realize the sacrifice they made and how beneficial it was to the growth of our country."Īnother huge hit was mail call. We can apologize what has happened in the past, even though it was not specifically us. “When they came back from Vietnam people were rude to them, spit and threw rocks (at them). “It is really cool to take the veterans and show them they are appreciated even though we may not always be the best at showing that,” Herdman said. Adam Herdman, who was the guardian for his grandfather, Richard Ryan, said this was an opportunity to pay tribute to the veterans, which did not happen decades ago. That patriotism rubbed off on the young guardians as well. “Wonderful.we had a better reception at the airport than when we came back from Vietnam,” veteran Donald d’Augereau said. Those waiting for flights divided into two lines and gave them a rousing ovation as they walked through the sea of supporters. The airport staff announced over the speaker system the Kansas Honor Flight had arrived. Their guardians gave them the VIP treatment as they carried their bags and supported them each step of the way.Īt Reagan National Airport in D.C., the veterans were welcomed by Honor Flight attendants from the national organization. The vets were greeted with ovations and handshakes of thanks for their service. That animosity melted away with their VIP treatment in the nation’s capital. Some carried that bitterness in their heart for years. Many of those veterans came home to feelings of hatred, despite putting their lives on the line for their beloved country. OTTAWA - A healing spirit was evident during the veterans’ Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., last week.
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