Local WWII veterans make special trip to memorial

There was lots of excitement in the air in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 23, for 10 Saline County World War II veterans, for this was the day they would be traveling to Washington, D.C., to see the memorial built in their honor.

The trip started in Slater with veterans Gene Phelps, Russell Murdock, Jim Mendenhall and Jack Sandwith, plus their escorts -- also veterans -- Tom Boehner, Amanda Marsh and me.

Saline County World War II veterans pose for a photo during an April trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial there. Show Me Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization based in Sedalia, sponsored the journey. (Contributed photo) [Click to enlarge]

This group traveled to Marshall to join veterans O.D. Parcels, Harold Arensmeier, Wilbert Dittmer, Winnie Warnock -- who, by the way, was the first woman from Saline County to make this journey -- Jack Elsea and Paul Collier.

We arrived in Sedalia to board the bus (and we got there before the bus got there; these veterans were ready to go!).

Other veterans started arriving after we got there, the bus arrived and we all boarded. The veterans were greeting by Charlie Thomas, president of Show Me Honor Flight, and Pettis County Sheriff Kevin Bond.

The Show Me Honor Flight group poses for a photo during the April trip to Washington, D.C. (Contributed photo) [Click to enlarge]

The Pettis County and Saline County sheriffs' departments gave the veterans an official escort, and at one time we had three escorts, lights flashing, heading down Interstate 70 to Kansas City International Airport.

Here we were, two reporters, one doctor, about 12 escorts and 38 veterans going on a trip of a lifetime for these vets.

We arrived at the airport, got the wheelchairs unloaded and the group ready to go through security. You have to understand, for most of these vets, they haven't flown since their service more than 60 years ago, so many things have changed.

Former Sen. Bob Dole, left, and Charlie Guthrie, a veteran and Show Me Honor Flight escort. (Contributed photo) [Click to enlarge]

Some of these vets had metal in them from the war, and some with metal from operations, which sets off the security machines. We had to take off our shoes, get them back on -- lots to do. It was fun watching and listening to them ("Why do I have to do this?" "What's that for?") Many questions, but we got through this, and got on the plane.

When we got off the plane in Baltimore, there were shouts of thanks, and lots of hand clapping for these veterans who have given so much.

Traffic was terrible on the trip from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., but we finally arrived, seeing many of the sites there.

Then Jim Gaertner, one of the board of directors and official spokesman said, "And to your right is the memorial built for you and to honor you for your service from a grateful nation."

All eyes turned right, it was a very emotional minute for these vets -- as it was also for us.

"We made it," said one veteran.

"It's so beautiful," said another.

We were greeted by former senator and World War II veteran Bob Dole and ABC-TV reporter Sam Donaldson.

Sen. Dole visited with the veterans. He was very instrumental in getting the World War II memorial built, and he spends lots of time at this memorial, greeting his comrades.

Walking to the memorial, some went to the Pacific tower and others went to the Atlantic tower, where inscriptions are at the base of the tower pavilion fountains marking key battles of the war.

Many had their pictures taken by the inscriptions, some stood in silence, some shed a tear and so did the escorts.

There was a young man from San Diego who came up to me and wanted his picture taken.

I thought he wanted his picture in the memorial, but he said, "No, I want my picture taken with you veterans."

Needless to say, he got his picture taken with the veterans, and he thanked them many times for what they did.

Right before leaving, we assembled all the veterans for a group picture.

We got everyone in place for the picture, and a group of people started taking pictures also.

Well, the crowd got bigger and bigger. You should have see the crowd!

After the picture taking, this group of adults and grade school and high school students came over and shook these veterans hands and thanked them.

What a sight!

We traveled to the Iwo Jima Memorial, where there were lots of picture snapped, then off to Arlingtron National Cemetery, with not much time left before heading back to the airport for the return home.

The group saw parts of the cemetery and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial and the Seabee Memorial.

What a day for these great people. They will never forget this day.

Russell Murdock from Slater said, "If Honor Flight had not taken me, I would have never been able to go."

Jim Mendenhall, also of Slater said, with a tear in his eye, "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

My reply to him, also with a tear in my eye, was, "No, Jim, thank you. With what you veterans have done, we are here today living in a great and free country."

These feelings were felt all day long, and will be felt forever. We all arrived safely, and what a day for all of us.

Honor flight is a nonprofit organization created solely to honor Americas veterans for their sacrifices.

The Show Me Honor Flight has made three trips to Washington, D.C., and will be planning more, but we need the help of the community.

This program is made possible only through donations. There is no cost to veterans for the flight or food. All this is taken care of, but we need your help.

All contributions of any amount are welcome and appreciated. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contributions can be send to Charlie Guthrie, 228 Cattle Drive, Slater, MO 65349, or to Show Me Honor Flight, P.O.Box 1935, Sedalia, MO.

These trips are simply not possible without public support. Please send your contribution to Honor Flight. You will be glad you did.

God bless these veterans, and God bless America.