Sabre - Kracek
  • Sabre
  • Kracek
  • Close Calls
  • Author Bio
  • Vito's View

The Greatest Generation

11/3/2017

3 Comments

 
      We entered the Southwest terminal of McCarran International Airport on
Sunday, October 29, 2017 to the stirring wail of Scottish bagpipes, a Flag
Honor Guard, and the non-stop applause and thanks of hundreds of people
of all ages and ethnic groups.
      It was a bit overwhelming to look into their faces, to see and feel the outpouring
of love and appreciation for something the veterans of WWII and Korea—had done
so many years ago. It was the perfect ending for our trip to Washington D.C.—one
sponsored by “Honor Flight of Southern Nevada.”
      Our journey began on October 27 with a warm send-off at the airport by the
USO and the other passengers waiting at the terminal gate, and it just kept getting
better.
      Upon our arrival in Baltimore we were unexpectedly greeted by a large crowd
of people who could not thank us enough for our service. One young man—no doubt,
himself a vet—stood at attention and saluted as we walked by. It was a humbling,
heart-rendering experience, one we would receive at almost every memorial we visited.
      Seeing the monuments was indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity, made possible
by the dedicated volunteers of “Honor Flight,” but it was more the good people we
met along the way that made our journey a truly memorable one. This was especially
true of the youngsters—Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, students from the local schools,
and those just there with their Moms and Dads—who lined up to shake our hands
and thank us for our service.
      I believe I speak for all the vets when I say, if we could go back and do it all over
again to insure they grow up in a free world, with minds unfettered by any form of
oppressive government, we would do so in a heartbeat. They are our future.
      A final note. Our group was comprised of twenty-seven veterans from two wars,
WWII and Korea. It was a special honor for me, as a Korean War Vet, to have made
this trip in the company of twenty-one of the finest men of “The Greatest Generation.”


3 Comments
Marie Hollman
11/4/2017 08:06:23 am

Wow that was a wonderful event to be a part of and experience but we always knew you were a HeroeI mean our family and friends etc all my brothers to me will always be my heroes !!❤️❤️❤️❤️

Reply
Gary
11/6/2017 03:10:31 pm

Indeed! I attended an Honor Flight with my dad, a WW II Vet, in 2009.
Our reception upon landing in Baltimore was very similar to yours, outstanding. It brought mist to the eyes of both me and my dad. I don't recall anyone "taking a knee", but then if they had their life expectancy would have been dramatically compromised, immediately. Thank you Vito for your extended Service in Korea and Vietnam as well. I salute you, and All other Veterans like you!! Where would we be without you?? I shutter to think.
Semper Fidelis, Sir !!

Reply
Vito
11/6/2017 07:57:01 pm

Thanks, Gary. I was too young for WWII, but not too young to understand the immensity of the sacrifices made by men (and women) like your dad. They didn't just save a country, or a continent, they saved the world.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Spent 12 years in the Middle East. 

    Archives

    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    September 2021
    April 2021
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    June 2019
    July 2018
    November 2017
    January 2016
    December 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    March 2015
    October 2014
    September 2014
    May 2014
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    July 2012
    February 2012

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from spisharam