Honor Flight Scrapbook
On this Memorial Day in 2011, I add the Honor Flight Scrapbook to show the highlights of the May 2011 Honor Flight to take 89 World War II Veterans (our Greatest Generation) to see the World War II Memorial - dedicated in honor of all who served abroad and at home to protect the United States.
This particular group was the Honor Flight out of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This group is one of a number of Honor Flight Organizations across the country.
The next Honor Flight is scheduled for October 26, 2011.
Front Cover of Honor Flight Scrapbook
Departure for Honor Flight &
Arrival in Washington, DC
As the Veterans leave Myrtle Beach Airport they are excited the day has arrived.
As the walk through the Jet Port (all decorated in Red, White & blue) at Reagan National Airport, they are all saluted and greeted by the crew of Air Force One.
Later, they are greeted by lots of flag waving, cheers, patriotic music, and personal "Thank you for your service".
All pages of the Honor Flight Scrapbook were done Digitally thorough my Heritage Makers system at
MemoryBookArchitects.com
The Honor Flight Veterans
Visit Their World War II Memorial
The Honor Flight Scrapbooks tells the story in chronological order. As the Honor Flight Veterans board their tour buses, there is a visit from the First District Congressman, Tim Scott, and the buses are escorted with a Harley Davidson "Rolling Thunder" Escort and another salute from the Crew of Air Force One.
As they approach the entrance to the World War II Memorial, there is another greeting by many visitors of all ages, more flags, cheers and thank yous.
One of the Honor Flight Veterans I was there to escort was pulled aside and the ladies all wanted their picture taken with him. He had his very own Fan Club!
The Wall of Freedom - 4,048 Gold Stars
The Wall of Freedom with it's 4,048 Gold Stars, each representing 100 who paid the ultimate price in World War II.
Honor Flight Veterans pose for Group Photo
It was really awesome seeing all the 89 Veterans in one place, their memorial, for the group photo.
Korean War Memorial
Later we visited the Korean War Memorial and discussed the inscription on the wall - "Freedom is not Free".
Washington Monument & Navy Memorial
Lincoln Memorial & Vietnam War Memorial
The Honor Flight Veterans later toured the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial and rode past the Washington Monument and the Navy Memorial.
Air Force Memorial
Honor Flight Scrapbook shows as the Veterans were taken to the Air Force Memorial.
Marines Memorial
Then on to the Marines Memorial, we discovered that we had 10 Marines and they all posed for another group photo in front of their memorial.
The Veteran Marine that I was escorting participated in the battle represented by the Iwo Jima Memorial.
While there were were able to watch as the Marines prepared & practiced for their Twilight Parade at the Marines Memorial.
Arlington National Cemetery
Changing of the Guard at Tomb of the Unknowns
Lastly, onto Arlington National Cemetery and to a Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Memorial Amphitheater.
Honor Flight Veterans Return Home
to a Grand Hero's Welcome
Our group received another grateful and celebratory send off when they departed Washington, DC, but it was not to be compared to the throngs of people back home at the Myrtle Beach Airport.
It tool a solid hour to make way through the Myrtle Beach airport. The crowd of all ages had signs, flags, kisses, hugs, hand shakes and cheers for the Veterans. It was absolutely amazing.
As an escort, to witness the day's events, I often found it very hard to contain my own tears. The comments from the Honor Flight Veterans were all positive and it was good to see that they are so well respected by citizens of this country.
Honor Flight Mail Callwith Letters of Appreciation
Mail was delivered to each of the Veterans from various citizens, each card and letter expressing thanks.
To have been able to participate as a Guardian for 2 of the Honor Flight Veterans on this flight, I was certainly honored. I met some wonderful and impressive men, who reminded me of the duty, honor and country that my own father represented. Thus, this version of the Honor Flight Scrapbook.
I volunteered for this program as I was not able to take my father or mother to see this memorial. But what I took home from this trip was a better understanding of war, sacrifice and the great accomplishments from the unity of the people of the United States.
If you ever have an opportunity to be a Volunteer or Guardian Escort for Honor Flight, please do so.
Click here to check out the website for
Honor Flight, Myrtle Beach
If you know of a World War II Veteran or a terminally ill Veteran please let them know about this program and get them to fill out an application. The trip is entirely free to the veterans, being paid for by donations.
Click here to check to see if an Honor Flight program is available in your area.
Honor Flight Network
When you get there, click on Programs to find a Hub in your part of the country to participate.
There are many ways to participate aside from donations, or Guardian for one of the trips. Be at the airport to send these veterans off, write letters, or be there to welcome them home again. You will have a wonderful experience either way.
While on this trip, I saw a number of veterans with a t-shirt with this on the back.
If you can read this
Thank a Teacher
If you are reading this in English
Thank a World War II Veteran
Hope you enjoyed the Honor Flight Scrapbook as I sure had fun taking the photos and putting this book together to remember this wonderful experience.
Check out theWashington DC Scrapbook
for more layouts of the area.
or the 8th Air Force Museum Scrapbook
Check out other Themed & Heritage Scrapbooking Ideas
Home Page for more scrapbook advice
from the Honor Flight Scrapbook
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