VETERANS PRESS: Flight of a lifetime
Early morning Oct. 9 and the skies above Spokane International Airport were crisp and clear. Inside the terminal, 107 local veterans, along with about 80 guardians, enjoyed a complimentary breakfast and coffee. Lots of coffee.
Then the boarding began for another Inland Northwest Honor Flight: four Korean War era veterans, over 100 Vietnam War era veterans, and two female veterans, including yours truly. I spent my Navy duty working at the Pentagon and this was my first return visit in 53 years. Lots of emotions running through my body — and all the others aboard.
We arrived at Dulles International Airport late afternoon to a warm welcome of locals waving flags and posters. Our first stop of the trip was the Air Force Memorial overlooking the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. This 402-foot memorial of three stainless steel spires, which opened in October 2006, represents the Air Force Thunderbirds peeling back in a “bomb burst” maneuver. Evening lights began to show the beauty of the Washington Monument across the Potomac River. I could hear the bugle sound of retreat and could picture the flag being lowered across the way on Fort Myer where I had lived in the Tri-Service Women’s Barracks.
A banquet and lights out at our hotel in Crystal City quickly turned into a 6 a.m. breakfast call. We loaded the buses and traveled into the cemetery for a 9 a.m, changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 1937, there has always been a guard on watch, marching 21 steps down the mat with a 21 second pause facing the tomb, turning to shift their weapon, and waiting another 21 seconds before marching back. This is their routine. This is their job. The guard is relieved every hour; on occasion every ½ hour depending on the weather. As we turned to leave, I remembered a photo from January 1970 as I sat in the big marble chair in the connecting amphitheater. Thanks to my guardian, Jeannine, we recreated that moment. Quite the blast from the past!
Our next stop was the Military Women’s Memorial located at the Memorial Bridge gateway entrance to the cemetery. Dedicated and opened in October 1997, it contains stories and the history of women who have served with over 300,000 women registered. My veteran friend Marilyn and I, being the only female veterans on this Honor Flight, were surprised with a short ceremony and presentation of a certificate.
We crossed the river, blessed with beautiful fall weather, to spend time on what’s considered the National Mall — nicknamed America’s front yard. The World War II Memorial, established in May 2004, is an impressive plaza that forms a ring surrounded by 56 pillars and two towers. The pillars represent the 48 states and eight territories, while the towers stand as tribute to the victories in the Pacific and Atlantic fronts. Sadly, more than 400,000 service members lost their lives in the deadliest conflict for the United States.
Moving east, we parked near the Reflecting Pool to take in more memorials. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in 1922 with Abe’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, age 78, in attendance. Flanking this mighty statue and carved into the limestone is the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s second inaugural address.
Perhaps the most profound and emotional visit was the Vietnam Wall. With many of our group having experienced boots on the ground and losing buddies, this somber shiny black granite wall contains etched names of the 58,318 men and women who died in combat or are listed missing in action (MIA). The declared dead are marked by a diamond, those MIA are marked with a cross. If a person currently marked as MIA returns alive, a circle is placed around the cross. If his remains are identified, a diamond is superimposed over the cross. Names of the first deaths (in 1959) and the last (in 1975) meet in the middle. Isaac, the trusty comfort dog who traveled with our Honor Flight, was a special and needed presence.
Many walked over to view the Korean War Veterans Memorial depicting a squad on patrol in rugged terrain and harsh weather. These 19 stainless steel statues with haunting hollow eyes, were dedicated in 1995 to honor the 36,574 soldiers killed during this Forgotten War. We made a quick trip to the United States Navy Memorial off Pennsylvania Avenue to tour the interactive exhibits and displays. Overlooking the plaza is the original Lone Sailor, an iconic representative of all American sailors.
Our final stop was the Iwo Jima Memorial dedicated in 1954 to all Marines who have given their lives in service and defense. This war memorial was inspired by the famous 1945 photograph, taken by Associated Press combat photographer Joe Rosenthal, of six Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Walking back to the raised steps, one has a spectacular view of the memorial, with the Washington Monument and United States Capitol in the distance. My mind flashed back to watching many Fourth of July fireworks displays from this location. What an extraordinary experience then and now.
The four-hour flight home was interrupted by mail call! Cards, letters and drawings from friends, family and assorted schoolchildren gave us the boost we needed to stay awake for the traditional welcome home. The corridor at the airport was lined with a grateful community, news crew, flags, loved ones complete with music and cheers.
The Inland Northwest Honor Flight, active since May 2009, is one of about 124 “hubs” across the country that transports anyone who served in the U.S. military in active duty or reserve capacity to Washington, D.C. In 2022, about 21,800 veterans and 18,709 guardians (who pay their own way) took an Honor Flight. This dedicated organization and all who serve and volunteer make these once-in-a-lifetime trips possible. Many thanks to them. For information, and to find out how to donate, go to http://inwhonorflight.org.
On this Veterans Day, it is fitting to remember the quote from President Harry S. Truman on a wall at the World War II Memorial which reads: “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
Courtesy photo 
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo