By Jerry Wynn of St. Paul (formerly Wadena)
As a veteran of the Vietnam War, on May 6, 2024, I had the privilege of flying to Washington D.C. with other veterans on what is known as an “Honor Flight.” The group consisted of 84 Veterans--one from World War II (100 years old), 10 Korean War Veterans, and 73 Vietnam War Veterans, plus 102 guardians and volunteers. My son, Kelly, was designated as my guardian to assist along the way and at the Memorials.
The trip was sponsored by Honor Flight Twin Cities, a non-profit organization created solely to honor American World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans for their sacrifices. Veterans are transported to spend a day in Washington D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. This was the 25th Honor Flight from Minneapolis, honoring over 5,000 veterans over the years.
Although I was the recipient of this special honor, while on the trip I held a group of relatives close to my heart, as they too made the sacrifice to serve their country, but never received this honor. My father George (Navy), father-in-law Skip Lindberg (Army), both from Wadena, and brother-in-law Charles Lindberg (Navy), Detroit Lakes, all three residing in their heavenly home. In addition, brother-in-law Larry Gaskins (Air Force), Jacksonville Fla., brother-in-law John Murray (Navy), Bloomington Minn., brother-in-law Don Trana (Navy), Staples, now residing in Wadena, and finally brother-in-law Dave Lindberg (Army), from Wadena, residing near Fort Meyers Fla. After honorable discharge from their respective military branches, all continued to serve their God, family and community. As I left Minneapolis on that Monday morning, I held within me the thoughts and memories of these veterans in my extended family, that would buoy me on this pilgrimage.
The flight originated from Minneapolis Airport, Terminal 2 in the wee hours of the morning. Security was streamlined because of our military veteran status, as we quickly boarded and were airborne at 0615 hours.
The first eventful moment took place mid-flight between Minneapolis and Washington D.C. “Mail Call” was called. Any serviceman or woman remembers that thrill of receiving mail from a loved one while stationed overseas. This was the only contact with what was affectionately known as “The world.”
As each veteran had a “guardian” along with them, that guardian was to contact friends and family to write short notes and cards of thanks for our service. These were presented to each of us at Mail Call. This was not the last time I would have that rush of emotions on this trip, as I read the words “my hero” from my spouse, children and grandchildren.
Upon landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport at 0940 hours, we were greeted by two airport fire trucks as we taxied to the concourse. Each shot their water canons, one on either side of the runway, as our airplane proceeded under the arch of water as a salute to the veterans aboard. As we departed from the plane into the terminal, we received ovations from those who happened to be in that area, thanking all of us for our military service. Our emotions were running in overdrive as we exited the terminal and boarded our respective coach buses.
Twenty minutes after boarding our bus we were circling the iconic monument of Iwo Jima. This memorial depicted the raising of the American Flag atop Mount Suribachi on Feb. 21, 1945. The inscription on the monument said it all, “In honor and in memory of the men of the United States Marines Corps who have given their lives to their country since November 10, 1775.”
We continued our bus ride through the highways and byways of Washington D.C., stopping at the Women’s War Memorial, one of the newest to adorn the national complex. There have been over 3 million women who have served in or with the Armed Forces since the American Revolution. Women who have served are invited to register their service, to document and educate others as to the role of women in the fabric of American History.
In the early afternoon, we headed to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the midst of Arlington Cemetery. This is the final resting place of the unknown soldier of World War I and serves as a mourning site for many who visit. The changing of the guard takes place each hour and we were fortunate to watch this ceremony, as the guards moved in robot-like precision. Following the guard change was the changing of the wreath in front of the tomb.
With the wooded hills in the background, we were instructed to take off our hat and place our hand on our heart as taps played. Throughout this solemn event, there was a slight breeze as if angels were hovering above, they too paying their respects.
As we traversed the Washington D.C. area going from memorial to memorial, the Washington Monument seemed to be always in view. This 555-foot structure was visible over our shoulder, but it was during our visit to the Lincoln Memorial that the structure was present in its full glory. As we exited the memorial, looking across the reflective pool was the beautiful image of the monument…and its “twin” image could be seen in the pool. The photo was indeed post card perfect.
The balance of the afternoon was spent between three memorials--World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. At the World War II Memorial the group photo of Minnesota Veterans was taken in the amphitheater within. It was almost comical ... we were used to taking orders in our previous lives, but it was quite an ordeal to arrange the unit in a presentable fashion. In time, a successful photo was taken.
Next, the Korean War Memorial was on the menu. We were greeted by 19 larger-than-life figures in field gear and ponchos. One hundred granite panels were displayed in a circular fashion, on which were engraved the names of US military personnel and South Koreans embedded in the US units.
The final war memorial we visited was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The greatest number of veterans on the trip were Vietnam Veterans having received the Vietnam Service Medal. Over 58,000 lives were lost or missing, their names listed on the 70 vertical panels. My service time was spent in Thailand as support to Vietnam, having no lives lost of friends or in my MP unit. I was able to locate the names of two soldiers who lost their life from my hometown, James A (Tony) Koch and Gary E Oothoudt.
Our tour of Washington D.C. passed quickly. After a stop at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, we were back at Ronald Reagan National. It was here that the only real glitch on the trip took place. Our plane was not at the gate at its designated time and we were delayed over two hours waiting for the plane to be assigned a gate. I imagine that the “Master of the Universe” wanted us to spend more time together as a group, for us to relish this time together in the Nation’s Capital. What is one person’s glitch is another person’s gift.
Because of the delay at Reagan National, we did not arrive in Minneapolis until after midnight. The terminal was quiet, as if we were the only arrival. As we walked toward the exit, there seemed to be quite a din on the other side. As the doors opened, we were met by a wall of noise. Bagpipes were playing, color guards present, as well as family and friends. Over 200 strong welcomed us back--signs being waved, thanked us for our service, a celebration, a homecoming for heroes…and I was lucky to be in their midst, if only for a day.
I would like to dedicate this trip to the husband and wife team of Jerry and Jana Kyser, whose passion for veterans and the Honor Flights is almost saint like. Also to the countless volunteers who offered assistance along the way. And to our “guardians,” my son Kelly, and those who traveled alongside each veteran. Thank you one and all.
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