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Louisiana Honor Air flies veterans to DC
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For Marine Captain Micah Lambert it was just an early work day. But for 100 World War II veterans it was a day they will never forget.
Saturday morning, October 24, at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport the WWII veterans arrived early and in high spirits for the Honor Flight that was about to take them to the nation’s capitol.
Some walking without assistance, some with canes and others with walkers or wheelchairs, all with their heads held high, the veterans boarded the flight bound for Washington, DC.
Their day included a trip to the WWII Veteran’s Memorial and a trip to Arlington National Cemetery to watch the Changing of the Guard.
The flight was made possible by the generous supporters of Louisiana HonorAir.
According to their website, “Louisiana HonorAir is an organization of local people who's mission is to provide every WWII veteran, who is physically able to travel, the opportunity to view their World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. for the first time. The World War II Memorial was dedicated in 2004 for a generation whose youngest member is in their late seventies. Many of the men and women who fought and sacrificed for our country have not had the opportunity, or ability, to visit.”
Captain Lambert was also on hand that evening to greet the veterans and share the excitement as they returned to New Orleans from a long but rewarding day.
The WWII veteran standing next to Lambert shared his personal story of landing on the second day of the Battle for Iwo Jima where the beach was littered with fallen Marines. He was just 1000 yards away from the raising of the American flag on Mt. Suribachi.
Please view the slideshow of the veterans and the sights in Washington.
In the words of Will Rogers, “We can’t all be heroes. Some of us have to stand at the curb and clap as they go by”.
Examiner’s Note: Honor Flights are completely free for WWII veterans. Those who are oldest and others who are terminally ill get top priority for making the flight. Please see honorflight.org for more information.
In the Charleston, SC area, contact lorenvevon@comcast.net for information on the next Lowcountry Honor flight in April 2010, including how you can help.
As a reminder, Lowcountry Honor Flight will be welcoming home their WWII veterans at Charleston International Airport, Saturday, November 7th at 6 pm. The public is encouraged to come and share their excitement.
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