On April 4th, 2023 my dad was called for his honor flight to Washington, D.C. He’s been waiting about 4 years and the day had finally arrived! Along with 56 other veterans, the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight organization made the day incredibly special for each of them.
The day started when we arrived at Lambert International Airport at 3:00 am. After we walked through security, they served the veterans breakfast at the gate. Here Dad is showing off his breakfast sandwich 🤣. More importantly, he’s wearing his dog tags from Vietnam and his father’s from WWII.The agenda for our day of honor Headed to Washington D.C. to see the memorials. Onboard were two WWII veterans (tan shirts), 19 Korean (burgundy shirts), and 35 ish Vietnam (green shirts).Mid-air we lowered the shades, turned on the flight attendant call button, and flipped the switch on the bracelet each veteran was wearing. The plane glowed blue and we had 30 seconds of silence to honor those who couldn’t be with us today.Here we come!The fire trucks are there to great us with a water salute…rainbow and all! 🌈Welcome to DC! Everywhere we went people were so appreciative and let our veterans know!Once we arrived we loaded up on 3 buses. We were on the “red” bus ❤️ First stop—The Lincoln Memorial and a group photoHonoring these Missouri veterans Taking in all in!Dad found the name of his high school buddy on the Wall. He was able to do a rub. Honoring so many who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸 Dad was in Vietnam in 1968.After a brief lunch courtesy of Mission BBQ, we then went to the WWII Memorial Honoring his father at the WWII memorial. My grandfather was in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. He was part of the Army Corp of Engineers who built bridges.At the Iwo Jima MemorialArlington National Cemetery – Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We saw the changing of the guard. The Sweet Adelines serenading us during dinner at the Air Force Memorial during. It was such a gorgeous day!An old fashioned Mail Call for the veterans. Dad spent the entire flight home opening/reading 85 cards and letters! Each one was so moving. Coming home to a parade! The number of people at the airport to welcome home the veterans was astonishing.That smile says it all. A long overdue welcome home, especially for the Vietnam Vets!🇺🇸The welcoming committee, aka family ❤️55 years later and a welcome home each of those veterans deserved
A very long, rewarding, and inspiring day. The stories, the laughter, the tears, and the honor. Thank you for your service. ❤️🤍💙
Christina’s Journey Journal 
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