Reflections on the Flight of Honor Experience

My father is a Vietnam Veteran. I have written about his experience in Vietnam in my blog post:

Jerry’s Journey to Vietnam and Return Home

On April 30, 2025, my father and I embarked on a poignant journey known as the Flight of Honor. The mission of this remarkable organization is to celebrate veterans by inviting them to partake in a day honoring them at the nation’s memorials in Washington, D.C.. For those interested in learning more, additional information can be found here: Flight of Honor.

The Journey Begins

We arrived at the airport early, around 5:50 AM, and were met with an impressive level of organization and warmth. The atmosphere was uplifting, as:

• A girls’ choir performed the national anthem
• A voice teacher gave a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America”
• A brigadier general welcomed everyone, adding to the sense of honor and respect

Our flight included 100 veterans, each accompanied by a guardian, totaling an equal number. The role of the guardian is crucial; we are there to ensure the safety of our veterans while providing companionship and support to enhance their experience. It was a privilege for me to serve as my father’s guardian during this significant day.

Visiting the Memorials

By approximately 10:15 AM, our plane touched down in Washington, D.C., and our bus tour commenced at 11:00 AM, with our first destination being the World War II Memorial. Among the group were three veterans who had bravely served during World War II.

Throughout the day, we visited several iconic landmarks that are not only beautiful but steeped in history:

• World War II Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Vietnam War Memorial
• Marine Corps Memorial
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Arlington National Cemetery
• Lincoln Memorial
• Washington Monument

Each site was an unforgettable experience that honored those who have served our country.

The Vietnam War Memorial

April 30, 1975, marked the fall of Saigon, a pivotal moment in history. On the eve of that day, April 29, 1975, the song “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” played to signal the evacuation of American personnel from Vietnam.

The day of our trip happened to fall on the 50th anniversary of that event. Many Vietnamese individuals expressed their gratitude to my father for his service during the war. Several asked to have pictures taken with my dad, including this Vietnamese woman who became tearful as she thanked my dad for his service in Vietnam.

During this poignant occasion, my father visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A park ranger helped him create a rubbing of his late friend, Michael K. Thompson, a helicopter pilot who lost his life in Vietnam.

The trip was truly memorable. My father and I cherished our shared moments together, with one of the most impactful experiences being his visit to the Vietnam memorial.

I recall a family vacation to Washington D.C. in the 1980s when I was around 14 years old. Initially, my impression of the Vietnam Memorial was not favorable; I found it rather stark and felt it didn’t adequately honor the sacrifices of Vietnam Veterans.

Critics have described the memorial as “a black gash of shame and sorrow,” pointing out its lack of grandeur compared to other memorials. Perhaps its simplicity is precisely what makes it a fitting tribute to an unpopular war and serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by returning Veterans. The wall bears the names of over 58,000 servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Preparing for the Journey

Our trip involved considerable walking. When I applied to be a guardian for my father, a nurse from Flight of Honor asked if I was prepared for the physical demands of pushing him in a wheelchair. To prepare, I dedicated myself to regular exercise for five weeks leading up to our journey. Pushing my dad up the ramp at the Lincoln Memorial was quite a workout.

Giving Back to Veterans

We returned to Washington D.C. airport around 6 PM, where Arby’s generously provided lunch and dinner for our group. The franchise owner has been a long-time supporter of Flight of Honor, and we are grateful for individuals like him who contribute to this noble cause.

A special aspect of our trip is known as “mail call,” which aims to recreate the experience of receiving letters while serving in the military. My father received numerous letters from friends, family, and community organizations expressing their support for Veterans on this journey. He was genuinely touched and uplifted by their kind words.

A Warm Welcome Home

Upon arriving at Greensboro airport, we anticipated a warm welcome for our flight. I was taken aback by the large turnout. People of all ages were there to greet and honor the Veterans in our group.

This experience with Flight of Honor was truly unforgettable. I’m glad my dad and I were able to spend the special day together. While we enjoyed the trip, we were also glad to return home and appreciated our family greeting us and patiently waiting for us to deplane.

Flight of Honor was a great experience for my dad. I’m so glad I was able to go with him. I’m also glad our family was able to celebrate the experience with us.

In the News

Here is a recent news story about the trip.