Inaugral Honor Flight

[Scoutfish]

Tonight, our den and a few other dens, as well as packs and troops from the Cape Fear Council attended a welcoming home ceremony for WWII veterans.

 

The Veterans were the Inaugral Honor Flight. WWII veterans are flown to Washington DC at no expecnse of their own, to visit the WWII Memorial, then flown home later that day. It costs about $50,000 per trip per plane.

 

Anyways, alot of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, what I guessed to be a Sea Base Venture crew ( that make sense?) , JROTC, Nam Knights, members and color guards from each military branch as well as hundreds of the public came to welcome them home.

 

We (our den) were just right inside the entrance as the vets departed the jet.

 

Well, we had cameras to take photos of out vets as well as all the scouts and the crowd. It was funny to see the vets taking pictures of us to.

 

At one point, I was saluting with my best adult leader scout salute, and a veteran took my picture. He then said he was honored and thanked me. At that point, I asid : " NO SIR! The honor is all mine, and I thank you!....Welcome back home!"

 

Then I shook his hand. Well, he thanked me and let a few tears fall.

 

I bet I shook hands with at least 50 veterans tonight. Every single one was truely and honestly touched by the outpouring and caring of all who attended.

 

I am especially proud of our cub scouts. While waiting for the flight to arrive, the boys ( being boys) were figgity and restless.

 

But as soon as those doors opened .. Those scouts gave their best scout salutes with their right hands, and held their American flags with their left hands....all the while cheering, and saying thank you, USA , and Welcome Home!

 

So far, I have had a great time in the Cub Scouts. Tonight, I just got my first paycheck!

[jhankins]

What a way to spend a day!

 

I have a friend who has served as an escort for an honor flight. She said it was the most amazing experience of her life to accompany a man to the memorial.

 

Thanks for YOUR service for those of us who couldn't be there!

[Scout_Ma'am]

Wonderful. It brings tears to MY eyes. Thank you.