COLUMBUS — For 85 Ohio World War II veterans, 22 from Knox County, a true heroes welcome was bestowed upon them on Saturday as they returned to Port Columbus International Airport after traveling to Washington, D.C., to visit the Word War II Memorial.
The memorial was constructed in 2005, as a small token of thanks for this band of national heroes. Just last year, the Honor Flight project started, offering these veterans the chance to take a trip to our nation’s Capitol and visit this memorial, all expenses paid.
When the veterans and their companion guardians entered the baggage claim area, hundreds of their family and friends had gathered to give them a resounding “Welcome Home!”
The Junior ROTC from the Knox County Career Center lined up to welcome the vets as they made their way through the crowd toward their awaiting family members.
With the crowd chanting “U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A,” and lifting their voices in loud cheers, the veterans came down the escalator and were greeted by a patriotic display of appreciation with an unending chorus of “Thank You” and exuberant hand shakes.
The scene was an emotional and moving one as friends and family, and total strangers, exchanged heart-felt hugs, hand-shakes and dialogue.
Lora Donoho, wife of Honor Flight participant John Donoho of Mount Vernon, stated their friend Ray Cameron, who attended an Honor Flight in 2009, suggested she sign John up for the trip, claiming “it was outstanding. They had this planned down to the minute. There was never a dull moment,” said Cameron.
When Donoho joined his wife and friends after already being thanked by dozens of fans, he exclaimed, “It was wonderful. I had a great time. I’m very thankful.” He also admitted he was surprised when seeing the crowd awaiting to greet him and his comrades.
Once all the veterans had made their way down to the party, some words were shared by Bill Richards, co-director of the Honor Flight. “I wish you could see their faces when we entered,” said Richards. “This is the welcome home they deserved long ago. We had the most spectacular day ... ask them about it.”
