Looking back at Honor Flight EVV18
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)- It's been nearly a week since 86 Veterans took the trip of a lifetime with the Honor Flight of Southern Indiana. Eyewitness News' Hannah Haerle was on that flight to capture the stories and moments that each veteran will remember for years to come.
A day that would be full of emotion and honor started in the early hours of the morning.There were jitters and excitement for some-and feelings that couldn't be explained, for others.'It's a bunch of mixed emotions. It's really hard to say, but I'm ready to go,' said one veteran. Those inexplicable feelings were a theme for many veterans throughout the day as they received an excited send-off by family, friends, volunteers, and city leaders.The veterans were greeted in our nation's capital by a water salute and strangers, who our veterans quickly realized are grateful Americans welcoming them home.The itinerary was packed full of sights, many of which the veterans had never seen, and visiting the memorials built in their honor.
The first stop– the World War II memorial.It was a sight especially notable–for one veteran who served in that very war.'It's very somber. It brings back a lot of memories. It's just mind-boggling. WWII memorial meant a lot to me because there aren't many of us left….. I consider myself young,' says WWII army veteran Herbert Jankins.Next were the Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam memorials- each holding a different meaning and resurfacing forgotten feelings.Some veterans remembering times of service, 'There's a guy on the bus with me and we got to reminisce about the crap we used to do together,' said vietnam army veteran, loren dixon.For others, it allowed them to visit old friends. 'It brings back a lot of memories. I have fellow soldiers on the wall, and I got to visit them. It's been great,' said Vietnam Army veteran Charles Stewart. For most, it was a feeling of honor and gratitude which they so rightfully deserve– for the first time.'I had some Korean kids come up to me and thank me for what I did in Korea.…. So that was special,' said Korea Navy veteran Donald Woods.
More than 400 thousand people are laid to rest in the rolling hills at Arlington National Cemetery. Within it lies the tomb of the unknown soldier.It is guarded 24 hours a day– every day of the year– in rain, sun, or snow.The veterans experienced a tedious, moving changing of the guard.The silence was loud– as the soldier marched back and forth, guarding the tomb.And if you listen closely– in the midst of the most precise footsteps–there was the scuff of a heel– acknowledging the veterans' presence. 'It's quite an experience. It's from the heart. I'll never forget it,' said Dixon.
Each veteran I spoke to shared deep feelings of gratitude for the honor flight for making the day possible, but also for their chaperones and for their fellow comrades who accompanied them.'These people I can relate to because they have been through what I have. Veterans are so special. I've been here. My brother is buried here, so I've been here, but this is different. because I am with my comrades. There's not a stranger on these buses,' said Wools.
As we boarded the plane to head back to Evansville, 2 familiar words came over the speaker: 'mail call'.Thousands upon thousands of letters from people all around the Tri-State thanking the veterans for their service and sacrifice.The veterans were presented with one more heartfelt 'welcome home'– as thousands of people waited for their arrival at Evansville Regional Airport.It was a day full of emotion, gratitude, and honor.'I got so many hugs and so many people shaking my hand that my hand is sore!… This is something I'll never forget,' said Jankins.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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