In late 1969, I enlisted for four years in the U.S. Army. I was assigned to the U.S. Army Security Agency. Eventually, I was assigned to a duty station in Germany.
I am currently 76 years old. I have known about the Land of Lincoln Honor Flights to Washington, D.C., for years and had been asked by friends at my church and family members to participate in one of the flights. Like some other veterans I have spoken to, I always felt that those flights should be reserved for combat veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Finally, after much thought and discussions with friends and family, earlier this year I decided to sign up for one of the flights. My son-in-law, Kirk Ryan, volunteered to accompany me as my guardian for this flight. Kirk, a 20-year U.S. Marine veteran who retired from the military four years ago, had never visited Washington, D.C. It was an excellent opportunity for both of us. We were scheduled to take the Sept. 9 Honor Flight.
On the evening of Sept. 8, we attended the Honor Flight dinner held at the VFW in Springfield. We had a wonderful meal, special speakers and music. It was an exciting evening. As an added bonus, I discovered that a good friend of mine and his son from Arthur, Illinois, would also be on the flight. It was great to see them, catch up on our families and share this experience together.
Early the next morning we gathered at the Springfield airport and departed for Washington, D.C. We had an incredible experience. We were greeted at the airport in D.C. by another set of volunteers who assisted us in boarding buses and aided those vets who required wheelchairs. The weather was sunny and warm with a gentle breeze blowing all day.
Kirk had a “bucket list” of sites he hoped we would visit. The day was filled with visiting all the military and war memorials. The changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery was the highlight of the day, a beautiful solemn ceremony. It was a full but very rewarding day. The Honor Flight staff took very good care of us. We received breakfast, lunch and dinner with a several snacks throughout the day. Joan Bortolon, who was our guide on the trip, kept us informed of the days’ events, provided food, gave us history of the sites and other insightful information throughout the day.
Upon our return to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, we were greeted by family, friends and numerous supporters who filled the entire airport. In addition to my family and church members, I was thrilled to see my Ansar Shrine Legion of Honor brothers (all veterans) and other Shrine members there to greet us.
A big thank you to my friends at Laurel United Methodist Church, Pat Kuster, Howard Hennessy and others who encouraged me to participate in this rewarding and meaningful experience. I encourage any veteran to sign up and experience this event for themselves. You will not regret it.
Gary D. Bacon is a Springfield resident who retired from the U.S. Treasury Department. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1974.
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