An Incredible Journey
By Darla Bracken
Underneath a beautiful harvest moon in the early morning panhandle sky, the 2019 Texas Panhandle Honor Flight began at the Rick Husband International Airport. An amazing display of respect and gratitude, this year's flight honored a group that included 83 veterans: 4 WWII, 16 Korean, 1 Gulf and 63 Vietnam as they set out for Washington, D C including a 95 and 94 year old. It is the 29th TPHF trip honoring our veterans. Few knew what was in store for these aging veterans and their families courtesy of a multitude of dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors.
Salutes: Policemen flashing red white and blue lights, Firemen-firehose showers of blessings, Amarillo Firefighters Bagpipes and Drums, American Flags, Taps, Bands, receptions, handshakes and wellwishers--all that was missing from their first homecoming except family. Family was there for both, although some are now gone from our midst as well as some new faces having been added.
Veterans honored fellow veterans at the memorials: WWII, Korean and Vietnam by placing wreaths, offering salutes and the playing of Taps. Veterans and their guardians placed American flags with the names of panhandle war veterans killed in action at the Vietnam Wall beside their names.
Mail call- each veteran received a packet of thank you letters from our area school children as they got off the plane to a 'welcome home ' crowd. Some of the quotes from his ‘mail call’ letters: “I do the pledge of allegiance for you” “...risking your life to protect us” “if I could I would hug you” “we salute you” “...so brave and strong” “Thank you, we love you in our hearts!”
We cannot know, but perhaps we can better understand, what this means to the veteran, especially the Vietnam Veteran. My husband Rex and our daughter, Julie Davidson, were a part of this powerful, healing--unforgettable journey. For his service in Vietnam, Rex received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Rex was, is, and always will be Our Hero...
Thanks to all of you for your prayers, support and expressions of thanks.
See Related story on the back page of the Friona Star.
Rex Bracken at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial adding a flag to the Wall.
