To Washington DC with Honor Flight

rontront Registered Users Posts: 1,473 Major grins
edited July 30, 2011 in Journeys
One of the most fun things that I have done for the last couple of summers has been to volunteer as a photographer for an organization called Honor Flight. This is an organization that has taken on the task of sending our WWII veterans back to DC to see their war memorials. It is one of the most fun things that I have ever done with my camera!! This July, I got to take a trip with them, It was an incredible time. We owe so much to our veterans!! To spend this time with them and hear some of their stories, is something that I will NEVER forget. It is impossible to share time with them and not shed some tears!
So here are a few pictures of the trip.

Our WWII vets are said to be dying at about 1,000 a day. There are all in their late 80's and early 90's. They still refer to each other as "the boys". Many need help getting around so there are Guardians that travel with them to help them.
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They really are a happy group of men and women! This lady was traveling with her father. What an honor IMHO.
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I love the clouds from above.
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This 11 year old boy has raised over $13,000 to help send our veterans to DC. Great kid that we need more like in our country!!
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Southwest Airlines donates hundreds of seat every year for this cause. Great airlines!! The pilot of this flight wanted a picture with Justin.
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They were given a motorcycle escort from Baltimore to DC.
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Expectations were high.
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Part of Arlington National Cemetery.
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At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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Thankful people everywhere.
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This lady is 93 and was given this at the Women's Memorial.
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This was much larger than I imagined!
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This is the whole group of us.
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I fear I have gotten a bit carried away. More pics here:
http://ront.smugmug.com/Honor-Flight-INW/Honor-Flight-2011/Honor-FlightJuly-2011/18208039_4QJM2b#P-1-12
"The question is not what you look at, but what you see". Henry David Thoreau

http://ront.smugmug.com/
Nikon D600, Nikon 85 f/1.8G, Nikon 24-120mm f/4, Nikon 70-300, Nikon SB-700, Canon S95

Comments

  • TinstaflTinstafl Registered Users Posts: 355 Major grins
    edited July 29, 2011
    Wow, that is fantastic. You are recording the passing of the greatest generation. We owe them a debt that never really can be repaid. I understand when you said shed a tear. I was nit there but feel the emotion. I am in the dc area and have seen thus type of group and have seen them honored in small towns. They are America at it's best. Thank you for sharing.
  • rpcrowerpcrowe Registered Users Posts: 733 Major grins
    edited July 29, 2011
    As a veteran of a later war, I hold these men and women in a place of greatest honor. I personallly appreciate whatever is done for these heroes who have enabled us to live in freedom and enjoy the benefits of this great land...
  • SamSam Registered Users Posts: 7,419 Major grins
    edited July 29, 2011
    What an honor to photograph these people. Mere words cannot express how much the world owes these men and woman.

    Sam
  • rontront Registered Users Posts: 1,473 Major grins
    edited July 29, 2011
    I could not agree more with all of your comments!!!! I kind of feel like I am on holy ground when I am in their presence!! These are indeed very special people!

    rpcrowe, I thanks you for your service also!

    Ron
    "The question is not what you look at, but what you see". Henry David Thoreau

    http://ront.smugmug.com/
    Nikon D600, Nikon 85 f/1.8G, Nikon 24-120mm f/4, Nikon 70-300, Nikon SB-700, Canon S95
  • FlyNavyFlyNavy Registered Users Posts: 1,350 Major grins
    edited July 29, 2011
  • divmedic4divmedic4 Registered Users Posts: 160 Major grins
    edited July 30, 2011
    Your photos really convey the feeling of the event. Reading stories like this reaffirm that there still are good people in this county - you for photos, the young man raising all that money, Southwest for the flights...Thank you.
    Canon 7D, Sigma 17-70, Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS, EF 50 1.8 II, 430EXII

    Tom
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