My father spent World War II on a tanker in the South Pacific. Like most men and women who served in the military service during the war, he talked sparingly about what he did. Twice he stood watching torpedoes rushing towards his ship. If he were alive today, I would make it possible for him to be recognized for putting himself in harm’s way.
My father spent World War II on a tanker in the South Pacific. (Note: his cap and a coconut from the Pitcairn Islands.)My friend Bob Hammar recently called and told me about his Puget Sound Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., and spoke highly of the care and concern that was given to each veteran. “The Honor Flight Network recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, D.C., to view all military branch memorials, at no cost to the individual veteran. Puget Sound Honor Flight aims to serve all veterans who are willing and able to make this trip. We need the support of communities, and businesses in those communities, to continue to provide this opportunity. To date, over 100,000 WWII veterans have made this cathartic journey with the Honor Flight Network.” As WWII survivors have diminished (we lose a thousand veterans each day), honor flights now include veterans from the Korean War and in some specific cases, Vietnam veterans as well.
As WWII survivors have diminished (we lose a thousand veterans each day), honor flights now include veterans from the Korean War and in some specific cases, Vietnam veterans as well.I first met Bob as a member of the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8. When I was president of the group I asked Bob to be my World Community Services chair for the year. He did a fantastic job of connecting our club with projects around the globe. He stayed as chair for several years. Bob now lives in Steilacoom and is a valued member of the Rotary Club of Lakewood. We’ve been friends for almost thirty years. He always has a story to tell, and when he gushed about his treatment on his honor flight I knew it had to be something extra special. He mentioned veterans swapping stories, being part of motorcycle motorcades and sharing one last “mail call” where friends and family write letters, personal notes, and include photographs “from home” that are shared with others making the trip.
Honor Flight relies on the tax-deductible donations from caring citizens, organizations and corporations to cover the cost for these trips. Please consider donating so that another veteran can share in this unique and impactful journey . . . now, before time runs out. – pugetsoundhonorflight.org
Bob mentioned veterans swapping stories, being part of motorcycle motorcades and sharing one last “mail call.”Individuals and groups can sponsor a veteran, donate, lead a fundraising effort, or even apply to be a Guardian, who pays their own way, and is responsible for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of our veterans.
Honor Flight relies on the tax-deductible donations from caring citizens, organizations and corporations to cover the cost for these trips.If my father was still alive, I would send him on an honor flight . . . and volunteer to be a “guardian” like other thankful friends and family members have done. Thank you, Bob Hammar for involving us in your honor flight . . . and thank you for serving.
Thank you, Bob Hammar for involving us in your honor flight . . . and thank you for serving.
My father was also a WWII veteran. As an adult, I’ve had the honor to get to know several Vets of that generation and each, to a person, was a gentleman and had made, and fulfilled, commitments to their communities, friends and families they’d made to themselves during the War beginning “If I return”………!
Nan,
Thank for writing and commenting.
When our little FandFers group went to Italy, we were surprised one day with shops closed and empty streets. We had no idea what was going on. Our favorite restaurant had a poster that told us a bit about the day, and our waitress told us the rest. It was the anniversary of the liberation of Italy from the Nazi’s. So as our way of joining the celebration we each talked about our father’s and what they had done during WWII. I still think of that afternoon as one of the highlights of our trip.
Thanks for sharing.
Don