news-record.com

On Oct. 3, I was one of 101 World War II veterans privileged to participate in the Triad’s first Honor Flight.

Let me assure everyone that the day was all highlights: The enthusiastic morning airport greeting by young and old and politicos of all stripes; the flight itself; a second grand greeting at National Airport; a third greeting at the World War II Veterans Memorial by former Sens. Bob and Elizabeth Dole, he a severely wounded solider in World War II; visits to the Vietnam and Korean war memorials, the Marines and Air Force memorials and the Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt memorials.

A bus tour included much of governmental Washington and part of Arlington National Cemetery.

The homeward flight was no letdown, for we were accorded the honor of having appreciative groups lining our way. We did not even have to remove our shoes at National Airport. And upon returning to Greensboro, a cheering crowd met us. Yes, we were tired but it was a happy tired.

Thanks goes to many, among them the 33 “guardians” accompanying us. Deanna Chilton was guardian to three of us. But Jeff Miller of Hendersonville, founder of Honor Air, is especially to be noted. He and his array of volunteers made this difficult but efficient endeavor possible.

Albert Lochra
Greensboro