Welcome and thanks, veterans

By Michael Potter

I met Dick Lasell, a World War II veteran from Cedar Rapids last November. In many ways, he reminded me of my dad, Talbert Potter. I liked him instantly.

Both served in the Army; Dick on the ground and Dad at 20,000 feet on a B-17.

Dad talked little of the war but he was very proud of having served. The only time in my life I ever saw him cry was when I took him to the American Cemetery in Berlin where U.S. aircrews killed during the war are buried. He walked slowly, silently, through that hallowed garden of stone, pausing every so often to study a name. He left tears at each grave. I wanted to reach out to him but could not because his was pain that could not be shared.

Sadly, Dad died in 1997. With him went countless memories, stories and his chance for recognition.

Dick, too, displayed great pride in his service and many of his memories remain unshared.

After meeting Dick, my interest in our WWII veterans was renewed and I found myself undertaking an emotional seven-month journey that gave me deeper insight into the power of the human spirit and the miracle of the Honor Flight program.

I saw something remarkable every step of the way, from the mission briefing at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church - where dozens of people, many from Hy-Vee and the Iowa National Guard, surprised everyone by applauding each arriving veteran - to the magical, emotional welcome home given by the people of Cedar Rapids on June 22.

Here, these men and women were no longer old in years.

There was fire in their eyes and those smiles left no doubt just how much this trip to visit the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., meant to them. Reunited again as brothers in arms, they talked and began to share untold memories and stories.

They bantered back and forth as if they were again 18 or 20 something. Hearing, “Have you ever seen so many old guys in one place before?” I couldn't help but smile.

So how important is Honor Flight to these men and women who sacrificed their youth decades ago? The joy in their faces and a few quotes speak volumes.

“This was the best day of my life.” “I feel like I was being welcomed into heaven.” “My feet didn't touch the ground all day.” “I was never welcomed home until today.”

Even the tears on some faces were in themselves a silent story - of remembrance and honor to be sure but also of being emotionally overwhelmed by so many coming forward to honor them; Gov. Chet Culver, Sen. Chuck Grassley, Rep. Bruce Braley, among them.

They came at every stop, strangers offering thanks, a firm handshake, a gentle hand on the shoulder. From elementary school students, letters, poignant and moving were shared.

My journey with them was the greatest honor of my life. I was given the opportunity to escort veterans John Majerus of Marion and Don Verbeck of Waterloo for their final mission.

Oh, and Dick? He went, too, of course, escorted by his daughter, Anna Marie Wehr.

But there was also a third veteran with me, who went along in my heart and in the picture taken to the WWII memorial.

Thanks, Dad.

To every veteran I, too, humbly say thank you and welcome home. This was your day.

Mike Moran and Mary Clapp of Honor Flight, you helped make a lot of people very happy.

Michael E. Potter of Marion is a U.S. Postal Service supervisor and an Army veteran who served in Vietnam from 1970-1972. Comments:

mkelpotter@mchsi.com