So many helped make Honor Flight memorable

On April 26, an Eastern Iowa Honor Flight took off from The Eastern Iowa Airport. Aboard were veterans of World War II, their volunteer guides and many others. Our first stop was the World War II Memorial, then a guided tour of Washington, D.C., next Korean and Vietnam memorials. At Arlington Cemetery, we stopped for changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a drive by Women's Memorial and, last, Iowa Jima Flag Memorial, where a group picture was taken.

Three of us were former WAVES from World War II. It was a very happy reunion. Among others I met were high school classmates, friends from Westdale Mall and a volunteer from Mercy Medical Center. It was a wonderful day.

I would like to thank all those who made this flight possible. Hy-Vee store helped provide our chartered plane and gave us cameras. Arby's furnished box lunches. At The Eastern Iowa Airport, the Salvation Army was there to give us coffee and doughnuts. The American Legion Post 298 coordinated all the arrangements. Mary Clapp worked tirelessly to put it all together. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church hosted our first meeting.

There are many more who deserve our thanks.

Arriving home two hours late, we were met by a large crowd of people shouting thanks to us and cheering as we passed through their lines. No, we thank you.

Gloria McCarthy

Cedar Rapids