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Charlie was invited by Glenn, who plays with the 45-member Frankfort Brass Band. The band plays for all the welcome home receptions at Midway Airport. (There have been nine celebrations this year.) Everything -- escorts (active duty military), buses, band, and airplanes -- happens on a volunteer basis.
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Families waited for their loved ones with signs and cheered as they come through the terminal.
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A small way to say thanks for your service. Thank you for our freedom.
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These are words that we overlooked while our own fathers were still living.
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It seemed like a good time to say what needed to be said, even if it was offered up silently while applauding these men and women.
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Fantastically, Charlie happened on some familiar faces in the crowd. Our friend, John, was returning on this honor flight. A bunch of his pals from our church were there to celebrate his return.
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Truly a moment among moments.
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There were quite a few.
Bless the great hearts that started Honor Flight and are seeing it through to the end.
We wish our dads were here to experience this first hand.
We love you and thank you for your service.
(All Midway shots courtesy of Charlie Johnpeter.)
Naperville Now links up each week with Mrs. Matlock at Alphabe-Thursday.
22 comments:
Wonderful tribute. I love the concept of the Honor Flight...
I am so glad my dad got to go on an Honor Flight. He is still riding his motorcycle around at age 85.
Vicki B.
When I was flying to Indy regularly, I often was at BWI when Honor Flights arrived. Always tugged at my heart. I share every sentiment in your post.
What a beautiful tribute to your WWII Sailor Grandpa ~ excellent post for 'W' ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^
Great post! I'm glad they still do the Honor Flights. I don't think my grandfather had the opportunity to participate in one, but he sure would have loved it.
Those Honor Flights are just wonderful! It's nice to see all those happy faces enjoying the trip and respecting those who served.
Love it! Like you, I wish my dad and uncles could have received this special tribute. It is never too late to say "thank you" to those who have served our country. Thanks for sharing this post! Great pictures Charlie!
I'd never heard of honour flights. I don't think we do anything like that in Canada, but we darn well should! ~ Maureen
Love all the pictures and the post and the entire concept of the Honor Flights! My own dad went on one from Omaha about two years ago and couldn't say enough good things about the experience.
Janice
My father was in the Navy in WWII, and I am wondering what he would think of the concept of the Honor Flight had he lived. This is an excellent post, and well worth remembering!!!
An honor flight! What a wonderful tribute to the men and women who served in WW II. I am so happy that your grandfather was able to participate. A beautiful W post.
Being from a large Career Military Family since
birth and still following my two sons as career CG your post brought tears to my eyes.. very nice indeed!
Thanks so much for your visit to my blog
and your comments on my saddle..No my daughter thought displaying it in her house was a bit much..haha
Sandy
Oh how wonderful. And we need to thank him for the services to free us from the Germans. I lived through that war as a kid so I don.t remember much about it but a lot of my family had a very bad time for five years. Please do thank him from us.
Riet
What a wonderful idea! I didn't realize they were still doing this.
Sue, your posts have always had the ability to make me laugh. This is the first that has had the ability to make me cry. These men are the last generation that put honor, integrity and a devotion to family as their primary values. I am very proud and honored to be the daughter of my father. Great post!
What a great tribute and post! :)
I was flying out of Chicago last year when an incoming Honor Flight was coming home. Southwest Air actually held our flight for a few minutes so we could be part of the celebration. It was an amazing experience!Thanks for reminding me. Love your tribute.
A super way to show them how grateful you are.
I'll have to google Honor Flights as I have no idea what they are - but they seem to be full of wonderful gratitude and emotion and pride.
Wonderful post, Sue.
Such a tribute! and a very worthwhile and honorable program!!
What a wonderful and wonderfully touching tribute!
It's so cool that they are still doing this!
Bravo for everyone who gets to participate.
Thanks for sharing this heart warming post!
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