To Washington DC with Honor Flight

[ront]

One of the most fun things that I have done for the last couple of summers has been to volunteer as a photographer for an organization called Honor Flight. This is an organization that has taken on the task of sending our WWII veterans back to DC to see their war memorials. It is one of the most fun things that I have ever done with my camera!! This July, I got to take a trip with them, It was an incredible time. We owe so much to our veterans!! To spend this time with them and hear some of their stories, is something that I will NEVER forget. It is impossible to share time with them and not shed some tears!
So here are a few pictures of the trip.

Our WWII vets are said to be dying at about 1,000 a day. There are all in their late 80's and early 90's. They still refer to each other as "the boys". Many need help getting around so there are Guardians that travel with them to help them.

They really are a happy group of men and women! This lady was traveling with her father. What an honor IMHO.

I love the clouds from above.

This 11 year old boy has raised over $13,000 to help send our veterans to DC. Great kid that we need more like in our country!!

Southwest Airlines donates hundreds of seat every year for this cause. Great airlines!! The pilot of this flight wanted a picture with Justin.

They were given a motorcycle escort from Baltimore to DC.

Expectations were high.

Part of Arlington National Cemetery.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Thankful people everywhere.

This lady is 93 and was given this at the Women's Memorial.

This was much larger than I imagined!

This is the whole group of us.

I fear I have gotten a bit carried away. More pics here:
http://ront.smugmug.com/Honor-Fligh.../Honor-FlightJuly-2011/18208039_4QJM2b#P-1-12

 

[Judy N]

What an honor you are able to share with these folks. Thanks for sharing with us. Brought tears to my eyes. Dad was a WWII vet as well and talks about how all his "buddies" are dead or dying. He is 91 this year.

 

[JDueckPhoto]

Great set of photos. Looks like an interesting trip

 

[robarooni]

What a great body of work! I just lost my grandfather, who was a WWII vet. Some of his "boys" travelled from around the country to come to his funeral, and I was quite moved by their stoism and cameraderie. The greatest generation will be missed.

 

[ront]

I just want to say, these pictures are hopefully to help honor some of the greatest men and women our nation has ever known. It is hard for me to imagine the hell that these guys went through on our behalf. A lot of us were not even born yet when these boys were dying for us. I kind of feel like I am on holy ground when I am in their presence! They are the true heroes of our country!

Judy N and robarooni, I wish that I could have personally thanked your father and your grandfather!! I love being around these people!



Ron

 

[Leia]

What an awesome pictorial. It isn't everyday a photo essay makes me get leaky eyes and smiles at the same time. Thanks for sharing your gifts with them, and then with us.

 

[BobH]

Wonderful series, very well done! This was today's photo of the day on Facebook (7/30)

 

[ront]

Thanks again everyone for your comments. It tells me that there are some mighty fine people here!!

Ron

 

[JaniceL]

Beautiful tribute to these wonderful men and women who served. I am honored to see your photos of these heroes.

 

[Christena]

This is an exquisite group pictures that tells the story perfectly. I can see why this would be an amazing thing to do.