On October 13th, 2018, I was the guardian for my dad on the 48th Stars and Stripes Honor Flight from Milwaukee, Wis., to Washington, D.C. Honor Flights take US Military Veterans who served their country during WWII, Korean and Vietnam War. My dad was in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.
Everyone who helps on the Honor Flights are volunteers! They really make it a special day. After departing on an early flight Saturday morning, we arrived in Baltimore and boarded a bus to DC. There was a water cannon salute in Milwaukee and there were people in Baltimore to greet all of the vets.
Our first stop in DC was at the Marine Corps Memorial.
We visited almost all of the Memorials and saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Did you know that there is a guard on duty 24/7/365 at this tomb?
My dad and I agreed that the most remarkable part of the trip was the return home welcome at the Milwaukee International Airport. I wish you could have seen it. There were active military from every branch, Boy Scouts, cheerleaders and thousands of people! I’m not kidding! These were people and families who came out at 9pm on a Saturday night to honor these veterans. Simply amazing!
Shelley and other friends greeted my dad and she presented him with a clock plate I custom carved just for him. He was so happy and finished the parade with a smile on his face the entire way.
Thanks, Dad, for your service and your desire to honor God and country during your life.
If you or a family member served in the military at this time, I’d highly recommend going on an Honor Flight.
Everything on this carving is made from EZboard. I hand carved the Marine Corp emblem, turned the 15″ diameter plate on my lathe and used my scrollsaw to cut out the letters. I inserted a Klockit movement in the center and entered this carving story into a Klockit contest. I’ll let you know the results 🙂