Old Glory Honor Flight: A Way to Thank a Veteran

For Veterans Day, Amanda Lauer recounts her participation, with her father, in a recent Old Glory Honor Flight.

After months of anticipation, the morning of Wednesday, September 11, 2024, finally arrived. My dad, Kieran Purcell, who served in the Air Force from 1956 until 1960, had earned a spot on the 70th Mission of the Old Glory Honor Flight.  

Nearly 100 vets and their guardians were on the flight. Many of the vets were part of father/daughter teams or father/son teams. We landed at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where the vets were welcomed with a water salute by firetrucks on both sides of the airplane.   

Four busloads of vets were loaded up (that, in itself, was a process, as a number of the men were using wheelchairs or had oxygen tanks and other medical paraphernalia in tow). Our first stop was the World War II Monument. After that it was off to the National Mall. Next, we went to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which is always a moving experience as you watch the vets using tracing paper to make rubbings of names on the wall of friends and family members who’d lost their lives in the Vietnam War.  

My dad was so impressed by the figures that made up The Korean War Veterans Memorial. After lunch the busses took us to the Air Force Memorial, which I would say was his favorite, not only because he served in the Air Force, but also because the view of the skyline of Washington, D.C. was spectacular.  

An opportunity for quality time

Next on the agenda was Arlington National Cemetery. We got there is time to witness the Changing of the Guard at 3:00 PM. The final stop of the day was the U.S. Marine Corps War Monument, which is also known as the Iwo Jima Monument. Our group of veterans was treated to a performance by the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. 

At one point I realized this was the most time alone I’ve ever spent with my dad in one day. We conversed throughout the trip about a wide variety of topics, including his and his friends’ military service. We had discussions that may never have come up if we hadn’t had that quantity of time together.   

On the flight home, the vets had mail call. Each man received an envelope stuffed with letters thanking them for their service or welcoming them home. Dad and I both had tears in our eyes as he read through each letter. He particularly loved the notes from his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. We’re all so proud of him and his service to our country!  

They saved the best for last. Back home, after all the men were off the airplane, they drew back the curtains, the band struck up a tune, and we were welcomed home by nearly a thousand well-wishers. This was the welcome that every vet deserved when they completed their military service. Both my dad and I had tears rolling down our cheeks as I accompanied him through the corridor of happy and grateful citizens. It was a sight to behold watching the men being saluted, people shaking their hands, posters held up high honoring the vets, and witnessing the men rushing into the arms of their family members.  

A life-changing trip

At the end of the night, my dad declared, “This has been one of the best days of my life!” If you know any male or female vet who served in the U.S. military between December, 7, 1941 and May, 7, 1975 — wartime or peacetime — let them know about flights like the Old Glory Honor Flight. These trips are life-changing for our veterans. It’s never too late to say thank you! 

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Copyright 2024 Amanda Lauer
Images: copyright 2024 Amanda Lauer, all rights reserved.