Mission 27: An inside look at Honor Flight to DC
The smiles on their faces told the story.
In mid-September, 80 veterans ranging from World War II to the Vietnam War took part in Mid-Michigan Honor Flight’s Mission 27. The flight took veterans, guardians, and staff to Washington, D.C. and Virginia, giving veterans a chance to view the memorials dedicated to them in-person, commemorating their service and sacrifices.
On the trip were a pair of World War II veterans who had the chance to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, five Korean War veterans, and over 70 Vietnam War veterans.
Veterans on Mid-Michigan Honor Flight Mission 27 gather for the official group photo taken near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Aboard the flight and serving as a guardian was War Memorial Patriotic Programming and Communications Administrator Alex Szwarc. Szwarc was assigned to 84-year-old Army veteran Gerald Cieszlak, of Frankenmuth.
The two-day trip included stops at the National Museum of the United States Army, memorials for World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War; Air Force Memorial; United States Marine Corps War Memorial; United States Navy Memorial; and more.
““Going to Washington, D.C. as a tourist is always a neat experience. To go as a guardian on an Honor Flight made it even more special and inspiring, all while aiming to fulfill a key part of The War Memorial’s mission – to honor those who served.””
One of the most powerful and emotional moments of the trip came after the flight landed back at Bishop International Airport in Flint. As the veterans walked onto the terminal, they were met by a crowd of several hundred people who had gathered to welcome them home. The overwhelming patriotism, gratitude, and pride for our country and those who have served it were impossible to miss. The sight of so many people coming together to honor these veterans was deeply moving—a moment filled with emotion, pride, and appreciation that will not soon be forgotten.
Below you will find a series of pictures and video that help set the scene of what an incredibly powerful and memorable journey it was.
