WASHINGTON, D.C. (WZMQ) – For the third time this year, a group of U.P. veterans had the opportunity to visit many national memorials, as Upper Peninsula Honor Flight Mission XXVII made the round trip to the nation’s capital on Wednesday.
“I’ve been to Washington, D.C. before, but I’ve never felt like this about it,” said Mary Snyder, an Army Clinical Specialist serving from 1964-68.
78 U.P. veterans who served the country in times of the Korean and Vietnam wars boarded Mission XXVII out of Delta County Airport early Wednesday morning. Upon their arrival in Washington, D.C., they received a very cordial welcome from local supporters and the Honor Flight Network. Throughout the day, the group made stops at around 10 different memorials to pay their respects, including WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Iwo Jima. For many, memories were hard to avoid.
“It’s something that just gets you right in the gut,” said Doug Wolfe of Marquette, a Navy Hospital Corpsman serving from 1970-93. “I’m 74 years old and it’s just as fresh as if it happened yesterday.”
Aboard Mission XXVII were a number of prominent members of service, who often go unnoticed. These veterans all made the brave push to serve, going to show that upholding responsibility is the best thing you can do for the United States.
“This is our country, and we need to take care of it,” said Snyder. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female, it’s your responsibility to take care of it as much as anybody else’s, and I’m glad I did that.”
Alongside each veteran stood a guardian. These were loved ones; sons and daughters, even some who just met their veteran the night before, standing by in support. Organizers of the U.P. Honor Flights work year-round to make sure these veterans can have this opportunity, as a ‘thank you’ for their service.
“I’m thankful to be able to come here, and I thank everyone who was involved in this Honor Flight, because in a way, it’s a little healing,” said Wolfe.
“People have been so nice, all of them, and I’m lucky I have my daughter with me,” said Snyder.
On the return flight, vets were given a mail call, receiving letters and pictures from family and friends. After landing back in Escanaba, the flight was met with a heavy amount of support, to welcome the veterans home with honor.
For more information on the Upper Peninsula Honor Flights, visit their website.
