November 1, 2021 | For Veterans
Last month on our blog we highlighted the Honor Flight Network and one of its chapters’ inaugural flights. More recently, there was a slightly different type of honor flight, headed by an organization called Operation HerStory. On October 6th, 2021, an all-female Operation HerStory Honor Flight flew 93 veterans, whose service dates back to World War II, out to Washington D.C. as sister-in-arms to spend time together touring the nation’s finest veteran memorials.
These veteran women started their day of camaraderie off at the Midway Airport in Chicago where water canon salutes were shot-off in their honor, as well as upon arrival at the nation’s capital. Guards blocked traffic for their bus motorcade as cheering crowds gathered and saluted the veterans. This one-day all-expenses paid trip included 200 volunteers, a visit to the Women's Memorial in Arlington Cemetery and the Vietnam Women's Memorial on the National Mall. These heroic ladies ranged in ages from 63 to 104. “My head is still spinning! What a fantastic day, so well organized and the volunteers were the best!! I may change my name so I can go again!!” said Ameilia Cunningham who had served in the Korean War.
All sentiments from participants seemed to carry a similar thread, no matter the Honor Flight, "It makes me feel that our time was not wasted ...," said Connie Edwards, a Vietnam veteran. What in incredible way to show our gratitude and appreciation in a tangible way. Its incomprehensible to think that most of these trail-blazing women had never really felt appreciated until that day. Army Brig. Gen. Patricia R. Wallace, the commanding general of the 91st Training Division in the opening ceremony said it best -"Thank you for your service, thank you for your courage. You matter. Your stories matter."
We here at Giesler salute you!
If you or your organization would like to donate to this worthy cause or become a volunteer please go to https://operationherstory.org/.
Sources: https://operationherstory.org/