Honor Flight Heroes

I spent the first few years of my life as a "military brat" while my Dad faithfully served in the US Army  stationed in California, Texas, and Germany.  Although I don't remember much of that time of my life, as part of that heritage I was taught from a young age to appreciate the sacrifices that our servicemen and women give in order to protect our freedoms. As a parent now I've tried to instill the same values in my own children. 

So last year when Adam's Cub Scout pack joined with two other packs and got involved with a program called "Honor Flight Network," I was thrilled.  I don't know the full extent of what Honor Flights does, but part of it is that they bring veterans from all over the country to DC to visit the monuments of the wars they served in.  For many of them, it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip  that is very meaningful to them.    Then to cap off their trips, Honor Flights also arranges for groups to meet them at the airport to clap and cheer for them. 

And that's what these Cub Scouts did yesterday for a group of WWII veterans arriving for their flight back home. 

Adam may have been a little shy about talking to the veterans....

but he was quick to make sure he shook hands with as many of them as possible...sometimes even running to the end of the line so he could shake their hands again.  :)

The smiles on the faces of the veterans (and the scouts) was priceless...

It was amazing to watch the lineup grow as many passers-by stopped to pay their respects as well (Spencer wasn't a passerby, but happen to have them on either side of him)...

It was a meaningful experience for all of us there...

and one I hope we will never forget. 



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O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry gain divine!