RN54

I'll be sharing several photos from our Middle Georgia Honor Flight trip yesterday, but I'm going to start with this one. This Veteran, whose son was his "Guardian" for the trip, asked the National Park Service Officer to help him find his Sargent's name on The Vietnam Memorial Wall, so he could get a "name rubbing" (a service offered by The NPS). The Officer directed him to the area where the name is, and assisted the Veteran with placing the piece of paper over the name and rubbing a pencil over it to transfer name's image onto the paper. This has become a time-honored and very moving tradition. I didn't know any of the details until after he had gotten the inscription, so I asked if he had served with that person. He said yes, the man had been his Sargent. I asked him if he knew he had been killed in the war. In a very soft voice, he said "yes, he was right beside me". We were ALL fighting back our tears. (I'm fighting mine again, just typing this). They were in a fox hole together, under heavy artillery fire. They were shooting back, not knowing exactly where their targets were, or how well their self-defense was going. One moment, he looked over at his Sargent and noticed he wasn't moving. He tried to help him with his injuries, but he was already dead. I can't imagine. THIS is what the Honor Flights are all about. We owe a TREMENDOUS debt of gratitude to ALL who have served and experienced the perils, sacrifices and perils of war. The Honor Flight program is a national effort, with 133 Chapters. They bring WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War Veterans to Washington, with ALL expenses paid, to see the memorials that honor their service and sacrifices, along with those of the heroes who served with them. MANY companies, organizations and enterprises donate money, time, vehicles and services to the cause, as do everyday citizens like you and me. To see these great men being honored and appreciated, FAR more than when they were actually serving and when they came home, touched me more than you can imagine. They DESERVE to be honored and recognized as the Patriots, Warriors and Heroes that they truly are. It was a TREMENDOUS honor and privilege to be asked along to take photos of these Veterans and their Guardians, many of whom were members of their families, or WONDERFUL Volunteers who want to show their love, appreciation and respect for those who have given so mightily. May God bless ALL of these Veterans, their families, their lost Comrades and ALL who have served and sacrificed, and may He continue to bless Our Great Nation. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Where? i think you are in Niagara County??

Just sat down after getting some yard work done. These damn leaves are going to keep falling until Thanksgiving probably lol. Of course the pups had to be in my face to greet me.