To the Editor:

As a civilian, I recently had the great honor of bing able to travel on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., accompanied by a cousin who had served in the Vietnam era.

As we gathered for the trip and were introduced at the airport, I could sense the camaraderie and brotherhood surrounding both the vets and those from the sponsoring DAR chapter. The women of the DAR were wonderful in their efforts to make each of us comfortable in every way. And as we gathered, I couldn’t help but recall how, at one time, our country was much more united than it is today.

When we landed in Washington, our group deplaned on the tarmac as we were greeted and saluted by our nation’s finest. Once inside the terminal, we were welcomed with hugs, handshakes, and cheers by hundreds of Washington’s appreciative citizens. Emotions quickly escalated as I observed the vets standing taller, heads-ip, chests0-out as they recalled the strength it took for them to make it home alive.

As we proceeded to visit nine different memorials in the city, I could see sorrow and grief in the men’s eyes and, at the same time, sense many unanswered questions.

On returning to Missouri, we were welcomed by the news media, in addition to marching bands and hundreds of appreciative souls. This event had been the most heartwarming experience of this persons’ lives, and mine too, as we fought back the tears. But to also painted a smile on their faces to know they were not forgotten.

Often as civilians we don’t understand what these proud men and women have been through, because, only among themselves, are these dreadful stories told. So in closing, I strongly encourage you to reach out to that vet and thank him or her, especially Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Let all our vets know that we’ve not forgotten what they’ve been trying to forget during these years since their return from service.

Hooray soldiers - thank you for our freedom!

Jack Carter