On Tuesday March 26, 2013, two local vets were honored guests on the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight. This flight honors World War II veterans with a chance to see the memorial that was built in their honor in Washington DC. Those traveling were Joye Flower (US Navy) and Paul Foster (US Navy), both of Houston, MO. They were escorted by Paul’s daughter Sally Vaccaro of St. Charles and her son-in-law Dmitry Choukline (US Marines) of Columbia, MO. The day started early leaving for the airport at 3am. Upon arrival at the St. Louis airport they were greeted by volunteers from the USO with coffee and muffins. Before the flight they had time to mingle with others arriving to take the journey with us. The flight carried 25 WWII veterans, 25 escorts, and 3 leaders. After getting our last minute review of safety procedures we proceeded through security and to the gate where breakfast was waiting before takeoff. With a 6am departure we’re off to Washington and arriving at Baltimore airport at 9am (local time). We were surprised getting off the plane to a roaring crowd cheering and clapping along with many “Thank you for your service”, after the gate agent announced the special passengers that were deplaning. They were also greeted by active duty military of every branch and every rank to follow us to our awaiting motor coach to begin the adventure.
Our first stop, after many points of interest were addressed by our driver, was the World War II Memorial. Again, there were many cheers from students on field trips and visitors to the memorial as we got off the bus. The World War II Memorial is a very impressive monument with pillars for all 50 states flanked by the entrance on each side depicting and inscribed with the words “ATLANTIC” and “PACIFIC”. After taking in so much at the monument including the wall of gold stars we gathered for a group photo before boarding the bus and heading to the Navy Memorial. A delicious lunch was waiting for us on the bus. With more sights around town, we headed to see the Korean, Vietnam and Lincoln Memorials. As we passed the Women’s Memorial, we thanked the two women veterans traveling with us that day. We soon arrived at the Arlington Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. With thousands of people in attendance you could have heard a pin drop. 21 steps- a click of the heels -a turn-a 21 second pause-a click of the heels-a turn and back again 21 steps. Back and forth he marched guarding the tomb. Our tour bus driver explained the difference in some of the headstones; the ones on the hill, and in the massive 600 acres that they have 20-25 services a day. No sooner than he said this we rounded a corner and he quickly pulled over and shut off the bus. We could hear the clicking of the horse’s hooves climbing the hill pulling a caisson; another hero was being laid to rest.
We completed our day in Washington with a visit to the Marine (Iwo Jima) Memorial and the Air Force Memorial. A bar-b-que dinner was served before returning back to Reagan International Airport. We were once again welcomed back to the airport to a round of applause and posters saying “free hugs for veterans”. They might have taken a couple extra hugs! Before boarding the flight the veterans had “mail call”. What could be more exciting than to get than a letter from loved ones at home?
We’re back to St. Louis after a long day of sightseeing, however there was still more to come. The passengers in the terminal had to be wondering who was coming off the flight when all they could see was saluting military lining both sides of the aisle as we exited the flight. Now, after everyone was off the plane we were ready to head home. That’s what they thought. As we then followed the military out of the gate area and rounded the corner to exit, the Francis Howell Middle School band started to play. The crowd of over 1000 started clapping and cheering, flags flying high, and posters welcoming home their loved ones. It was truly a “welcome home” and” thank you for your sacrifices” long overdue for these heroes. A short ceremony presenting them with an Honor Flight Certificate and a picture of the group taken earlier in the day at the memorial completed the journey. In the end, this was all about the veterans. However I was so honored and proud to be traveling with them!
A special thank you goes to the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight Organization and the many volunteers who made this trip possible. This was a trip of a lifetime and will be remembered for years. Also, to the Francis Howell School District and the many others that contribute and support to make these trips possible. Tax deductible donations can be made to The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight, 36 Four Seasons, Box 272, Chesterfield, MO 63017. For more info see www.gslhonorflight.org
Sally Vaccaro