Happy Veterans Day to Those Who Served in the Military!
@DeborahDiane (40054)
Laguna Woods, California
November 11, 2017 7:00pm CST
One year ago today, my father had the wonderful experience of being flown to Washington, DC on an honor flight, in recognition of his service during World War II. Since that trip, my mother, his wife of nearly 70 years, died. I know her death has been hard on him and I doubt he would have taken that trip today. I'm so happy that he had the opportunity to go last year.
The photo above shows my Dad in Washington, DC, sitting in a wheelchair next to former Senator Bob Dole. My father was very proud to be there that day. He does not normally need a wheelchair, but they provided one to him so he would not have to walk all day. He enjoyed chatting with Bob Dole, though I was not sure if he realized at the time who Dole was.
In these days of a voluntary military, we don't see as many members of the military on the street as we did during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
However, today's military members still make a significant sacrifice in order to protect our country.
This Veteran's Day, we should all pause for a moment to thank them for their sacrifice.
11 people like this
10 responses
@JamesHxstatic (29242)
• Eugene, Oregon
12 Nov 17
Sorry to hear that @sallypup. Is he getting care from the VA at this time?
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Nov 17
@sallypup - I'm so sorry to hear your brother, who is a Vietnam vet, is ill. Like @JamesHiggins, I hope he is getting care from the VA.
2 people like this
@sallypup (57858)
• Centralia, Washington
13 Nov 17
@JamesHxstatic Yes he's in and out of the VA hospital, getting chemo. I think this has to do with Agent Orange but that's me.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Nov 17
@JudyEv - I think it was one of the highlights of his life during the past few years. He had never been to Washington, DC before, and the veterans on these honor trips are treated like heroes. It was a wonderful experience for him.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (111164)
• El Paso, Texas
13 Nov 17
I agree with you @DeborahDiane too bad so many enjoy setting those stupid things off.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Nov 17
@rebelann - That is wonderful that there are a lot of retired vets in your area. With a few exceptions because of PTSD, most vets are responsible, honorable people who make great neighbors!
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
13 Nov 17
That is a great photo of your father and what an honor to get to go to Washington like he did. I am sorry about your mother, I didn't know.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458006)
• Switzerland
13 Nov 17
@DeborahDiane I am so glad it happened until your mother was still alive. May be that this year he would have refused to go.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Nov 17
@LadyDuck - I think it was one of the highlights of his life during the past few years. He had never been to Washington, DC before, and the veterans on these honor trips are treated like heroes. It was a wonderful experience for him. I'm so glad he had the opportunity to do it. My brother-in-law, who is a Vietnam vet, was able to accompany my father, so it was a treat for both of them.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Nov 17
@YrNemo - As long as there are wars (which seem unending), I am sure there will be veterans worthy of our respect and honor. I hope the day continues to have the same meaning.
1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (48417)
• Mojave, California
12 Nov 17
Your dad sounds like an amazing man, thank him for us for his service.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Nov 17
@crossbones27 - Thank you! I will tell him that you and some of the other people here appreciate his service!
@FourWalls (62120)
• United States
12 Nov 17
How cool! (Really, Bob Dole doesn't look as though he realizes who Bob Dole is.) I'm so happy they do these honor flights for our "greatest generation," because we're losing them at a rapid pace...and when they're gone, so's the history they have to tell us.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Nov 17
@FourWalls - Yes, they are losing this generation quickly. In another decade, there will be very few left. You are right, Bob Dole looks a little out of it in the picture, too. My dad just referred to him as "the guy in the wheelchair next to me," so I'm not sure he knew exactly who he was! LOL
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29242)
• Eugene, Oregon
12 Nov 17
Great photo! I am so glad he got to go when he did. There are not nearly as many veterans in Congress today either and that is a shame. There is a movement afoot to get more to run and I think I heard that about 100 vets are entering races.
I stopped by a brand new memorial to women vets today and wrote a post about it too.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Nov 17
@JamesHxstatic - I agree it would be a good idea to get more veterans into government. Their perspective is badly needed. I think this trip was one of the highlights of my dad's life during the past few years. He had never been to Washington, DC before, and the veterans on these honor trips are treated like heroes. It was a wonderful experience for him. I will check out your post on the memorial to women vets.
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
12 Nov 17
I can even remember that post and I remember saying how wonderful it must have been for him.Great for him and all the vets. Here in Canada we call it Remembrance Day but we are all honoring our vets!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Nov 17
@Marymargll - There are so many veterans around the world, I am glad they have been honored this weekend. I think that trip was one of the highlights of my father's life during the past few years. He had never been to Washington, DC before, and the veterans on these honor trips are treated like heroes. It was a wonderful experience for him.
