Honor Flight brought wave of emotions

In May, I was one of 90 Korean War veterans to travel to Washington, D.C. with the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.

We arrived in Washington, D.C. to civilians lining up in the terminal to greet us and shake our hands. Everywhere we went, children, teachers, and chaperones came up to us to thank us and shake our hands. They did not know if we were awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, a clerk or a cook. All they saw was a veteran and wanted to greet us. It was a very emotional day.

We headed for the World War II Memorial, where we were greeted by Congressmen Bruce Braley and Dave Loebsack. We also visited the Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam memorials. We arrived in time at Arlington National Cemetery to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and then departed for the Iowa Jima Memorial.

On our return home, I thought to myself that the day was so entertaining and educational, I would do it all over again tomorrow. As we disembarked from the plane, we entered the terminal to the thunderous applause of the largest crowd I have ever seen at The Eastern Iowa Airport. The emotion and tears were too much to handle.

The dedication, efforts and generosity of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight need to be recognized and complimented for their exemplary volunteer achievements. Sponsors Quaker Oats and PepsiCo deserve recognition, too.

Thomas J. Twohill Jr.

Cedar Rapids