Honoring Our World War II Veterans

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 was a very special day for a large group of Oklahomans. Waking at about 4 AM was brutal but everyone was excited about the day-long trip to Washington, DC to honor our local World War II veterans.

Buddy and I skipped the trip to Midwest City for the police escorted bus trip to the airport in hopes of getting a few more minutes of sleep. We would need all the energy we could get. Once we arrived at the airport they let us slip through security without delay. All 103 veterans gatthered for a group photo and a brief send-off from the Lieutenant Governor, Todd Lamb.

We spent most of the day on an airplane or a bus traveling around Washington DC through traffic from one monument to the next. After an event-free trip we arrived first at the World War II Memorial. Representative James Lankford greeted us on the bus at this stop to welcome us to DC and to thank the veterans for their service. This monument was a highlight for me. Even after being in DC several times while we lived in Virginia I had not seen this one yet. We spent about an hour walking around the monument taking photos, looking at bronze reliefs, the fountain and even trying to find Kilroy (look it up if you dont know, "Kilroy was here"). All of the vets enjoyed this stop as the rain held off long enough for us to enjoy our time without getting wet or having to hurry.

Next, we did a very brief bus tour of some of the other monuments including the Korean War memorial, Jefferson memorial, and the new MLK monument. We arrived next at the Marine Memorial or otherwise the Iwo Jima memorial. This is my favorite staute/memorial in DC by far. I have always found the photo and statue of the flag raising to have a deep impact on me and the sacrifice our veterans have made. Most of the vets didn't get off the bus for this one as our time was limited and it was starting to rain again. I did snap some good pictures though.

Our next stop was Arlington National Cemetery. Now it was officially raining! Many of the veterans decided not to attend the changing of the guard due to the rain. After a bit of a discussion, Buddy and I did get off the bus and head over the tomb of the unknown soldier. We were both very glad we did despite the wet pant legs and shoes. There were 2 special ceremonies for other groups that were there with the playing of taps both times. It was a very moving experience with the gentle rain, the dark clouds, the somber music and the quiet crowd. Here is Buddy in his rain get-up...

Next, it was time to head back home. Fortunately for us the timing of this trip corresponded perfectly with afternoon traffic in DC. It took us a while to get back to BWI Airport but we were able to see the Capitol and the White House along the way. There were several Nancy Pelosi jokes which lightened the mood a little but it did not improve the traffic flow.

Overall, it was a great day. I was able to meet and talk to several real heroes. It was a long and tiring day but I enjoyed it thoroughly and would do it again in an instant. Another one of the memories with my grandpa I will remember forever!