The gift of Honor Flight honors WWII veterans

By Michael E. Potter

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The period, 1941-1945, marked the first time in history our very existence as a nation was threatened. The grim realization that the United States might actually cease to exist was beyond comprehension and our swift, decisive response served to define an entire generation - one so remarkable it will forever be known as the Greatest Generation.

In late 1941, we stood on the threshold of a great precipice. A savage, gruesome world war was at hand, and every American was suddenly cast as a participant. Millions of people were needed at home to build and sustain a massive war machine while another 16 million men and women answered an unprecedented call to arms and soon became the tip to a mighty sword.

The price paid for this endeavor was astonishing. Sixteen million lost their youth. More than 600,000 were wounded. More than 400,000 never came home to know a world without war. The mark this generation made on history is profound and our debt to them is great.

On Sept. 2, 1945, when Japan surrendered and the war was officially over, American troops were weeks, even months away from returning home. The enormous, time-consuming task in returning them home effectively prevented them from participating in the spontaneous victory celebrations taking place all over the United States. But it was just as well, for this generation sought neither gratitude nor recognition. They say they did what was asked of them; they only did their duty, nothing more. It was simply time to come home and realize anew dreams of family, jobs and living life as it should be lived.

However, we cannot ignore the fact that their lives were forged in the caldron of a brutal world war and their legacy to future generations will forever be one of strength, humility, honor and uncommon valor. As reluctant as they are to accept our gratitude, we are also equally compelled to give it.

In the decades following World War II, no memorial was ever erected to honor their achievement and sacrifice. Finally, realizing she must fulfill a solemn obligation, America could wait no longer. So in April 2004, construction was finally completed on the most beautiful memorial in Washington, D.C., and with great fanfare it was opened to the public. Today, this crown jewel stands proudly as a testament to freedom.

Because of the Honor Flight Network, thousands of World War II veterans have been able to visit their memorial. But there is a real urgency. World War II veterans are dwindling rapidly and time is running out. What makes this so important is the real secret of Honor Flight, its “gift.”

On the Oct. 18 flight back to Cedar Rapids, one veteran sat quietly in his seat, his eyes glistening and wet. He turned to thank his guardian and, in so doing, revealed the secret to her: He was alone and his life had spiraled downward into sadness and loneliness. He said he had begun to feel useless, no longer had purpose in life and had no real reason to even be alive.

But behind the wetness in those eyes was fire, and this day he was young again. He laughed, smiled, cried and felt more alive than he had in years. But most of all, he felt important. He said that Oct. 18 was the best day of his life.

The gift of Honor Flight was his and is there for all to receive if only they choose to make the journey. Each and every World War II veteran is a hero to us all.

Michael E. Potter of Marion is the public relations director of Honor Flight and an Army veteran who served in Vietnam from 1970-1972. Comments: mkelpotter@mchsi.com