Travel: Honor Flight - Washington D.C.

[FlyTexas]

Last weekend I had the distinct privilege of escorting two US Navy WWII veterans to see their memorial in Washington D.C. This was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I felt so honored to be allowed to share their day with them. The organization who arranged the trip is 'Honor Flight - Columbus, Ohio'. They did an incredible job of flying the vets (at no cost to the vets...they've already paid enough) and their guardians on one of our charter flights from Columbus Ohio, and then transporting the vets and their guardians via busses all over Washington D.C. A group of us from the Southwest Airlines charter team volunteered to be guardians for this very amazing (and emotional) journey. A fantastic day out.

Brian







National World War II Memorial








Lincoln Memorial




Korean War Veterans Memorial




Arlington National Cemetery


Something's missing.


The Boys and Me

[TSR2]

A very worthy trip Brian , but could you not have found something prettier to get them there? How about a 757, even one with Winglets
Much as I'm touch that you kept me a seat, I fear I would have spontaneously combusted and that would have to be consider a health hazard for all

[Tomliner]

It must have been quite a moving experience for you Brian.Great pics as well EricT

[airboatr]

Well done Brian, I'm very proud of you.
But I'm not sure if it's for the service to the vets. Or that you didn't pass up the chance to give Ben a good ribbing. You dawg.

Hi Ben

[DaveB]

Nice shots Brian and thanks for the winglet/non-winglet pics

ATB
DaveB

[Chris Trott]

Glad you were able to participate in that Brian. I got the chance to do a few of those on the ramp side a few years ago and that was just as fun knowing you were helping with getting those guys to D.C. But I'm wondering, there was a special flyover of Arlington National that Saturday, did you not get to see it? I'm told it was magical.

If you didn't and for everyone else, here's a pic of Jim Beasley flying his Spitfire Mk.XVIII SM969 and Andrew (can't remember his last name sorry) flying Jim's P-51D "Bald Eagle".


(Image by Bob Henley, Honor Flight Network)

[Filonian]

Must have been very moving Brian.


Thanks for sharing.



Graham

[FlyTexas]

Thanks very much for the comments everyone. Yes it was a very emotional day. My tear ducts were kept busy the whole time. Chris I completely missed the flypast. Judging by the way the clouds looked the flypast occurred while we were at the Korean War Memorial. Can't believe I wouldn't notice a Spitfire and a Mustang flying overhead. Oh well. I'm planning on volunteering for another Honor Flight next year...that is if the Honor Flight folks can spare a seat for me on their busses. The flight home was so full that I had to ride on one of the FA's jumpseats in the aft galley. Kinda hard to see the winglets from that vantage point.

Brian

[airboatr]

At least they din't make you fly Australian style Brian ..

[Filonian]

At least they din't make you fly Australian style Brian ..

I know you didn't mean owt by it, but in the light of recent events.........




Graham