(Washington, DC) On September 10th, 2024, Jerry McFadden, former UltraGroup Regional Director and Vietnam veteran, participated in a momentous Honor Flight from Marion, Illinois, to Washington, D.C. Along with over 80 other veterans, he departed Marion Airport on a Boeing 747. The veterans landed at Reagan International Airport, where they were greeted with a ceremonial water salute. Firetrucks sprayed large jets of water over the plane on the tarmac, a tradition used to honor the veterans for their service and sacrifice.
As Jerry and the other veterans deplaned, they were met with a heartwarming reception. Hundreds of people gathered, applauding and cheering, welcoming them to the nation's capital with gratitude. This outpouring of recognition stood in stark contrast to the experiences of many veterans returning from conflict, especially for Vietnam veterans like Jerry. After stepping off the plane, they spent the day touring the national monuments, a journey through history that reminded them of their significant contributions to the nation.
One of the day’s highlights was the veterans' visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where they witnessed the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The veterans were accompanied by police escorts everywhere they went, making their tour a seamless and secure experience as they traveled to each historic site. These moments of reverence and respect offered the veterans a chance to reflect on their service and the sacrifices of their fellow soldiers.
For Jerry, the most profound moment of the trip was visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, commonly known as the Vietnam Wall. The sight of the memorial, etched with the names of fallen comrades, was, in his words, "overwhelming." The emotions of seeing the names of those who never made it back home and being part of a larger collective memory were a stark reminder of the toll the war took on so many lives. The visit was particularly meaningful because, as Jerry mentioned, this outpouring of praise and recognition was something that did not happen when he returned home from Vietnam.
Jerry’s service in the Army spanned four years, including a deployment to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. The Honor Flight gave him a long-overdue opportunity to feel recognized and celebrated for his courage. The veterans on this trip, including Jerry, were able to reflect on their shared experiences while also receiving the gratitude of the nation.
The trip was a powerful reminder of the importance of programs like the Honor Flight Network, which brings veterans to Washington, D.C., to honor their sacrifices. For veterans like Jerry, it was not just a tour of monuments but a deeply emotional experience of healing, connection, and respect.
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