Reporter Lily Gordon and videographer Joe Paull traveled with 96 World War II veterans to Washington on Tuesday. Four who had planned to go were unable to attend. Here are some highlights according to Gordon:
Taking off in Columbus
The veterans arrived at Columbus Metropolitan Airport around 6 a.m., where they were greeted by soldiers and well-wishers.
Dewey McKenzie, an Honor Flight veteran, was shocked by the send-off his group received in Columbus.
“I really wasn’t expecting all the to-do they had for us,” McKenzie said. “It was quite impressive.”
In-flight movie
On the flight, the veterans and their guardians watched a movie depicting the history of the building of the World War II Monument.
McKenzie said he most looked forward to seeing the National World War II Memorial. Tom Woosley agreed.
“I’m just looking forward to a great day,” Woosley said, “seeing all the memorials. It couldn’t be better.”
Landing in Baltimore
After a 90-minute flight from Columbus, the chartered plane touched down at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport.
The first thing the veterans saw when they stepped onto the jetway were uniformed service members, USO volunteers, BWI staff and airport fire and EMS personnel. They lined the carpeted plank, shaking hands with each man and woman who came their way.
Julie Rasch, a USO volunteer, shook hands with the veterans as they stepped off the plane. “Thank you for your service,” she said. “You’re a hero.”
National World War II Memorial
When Lee Culpepper, 83, of Talbotton, Ga., stepped off his bus at the World War II Memorial, he found his children and grandchildren waiting. It was an amazing surprise, Culpepper said, one that brought tears to his eyes.
The group saw Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga., present an American flag to the West Georgia Honor Flight organizers. Retired U.S. Sen. Bob Dole stopped by to shake hands with members of the group.
Korean and Vietnam memorials
The Honor Flight group reached the Korean and Vietnam memorials about 2 p.m. That’s approximately 2 hours after everyone stepped off the buses for a tour of the National World War II Monument.
Scoop Owsley of Opelika, Ala., who served in World War II and Korea, said the statues of American soldiers patrolling in Korea wearing ponchos and carrying rifles were “very realistic.”
Marine Corps War Memorial
Prior to traveling by bus to Arlington National Cemetery, the buses made a brief stop at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Four of the veterans on the flight roster served in the Marines: Handley Davis of Valley, Tommy Hodge of Opelika, Tom Jenkins of Columbus and David Land of Columbus.
Tomb of the Unknowns
A reverent quiet fell over the crowd gathered at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located at Arlington National Cemetery.
The day had cooled significantly when the 96 veterans watched the changing of the guard and the laying of the wreath ceremonies.
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