This past weekend, a large group of Kentucky military veterans made a one day trip to the nation’s capital. They received a heroes’ welcome Saturday night at Blue Grass Airport.
Scores of people, many not knowing anyone on board the Honor Flight plane, lined the entire terminal at the Lexington airport. World War II veteran William McCroskey of Lexington was asked what stood out the most during the trip to Washington. “Just the number of people that have turned out, that they haven’t forgotten,” said Mcroskey.
Arthur Kelley of Frankfort served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He enjoyed speaking with a veteran with a political history. “I got to talk to Senator (Bob) Dole, enjoyed that," said Kelley. "As you know, he was severely wounded in World War II and did a lot, put that thing together to get it started.”
Elijah Hester’s grandfather was on the flight. She says her grandfather took with him the Purple Heart medal belonging to his brother, who died in the war. “My grandfather was a military policeman and actually walked the streets with Emperor Hirohito as an escort right after the war," Hester said. "But, his brother never returned. He was in the front lines."
There were people of all ages among the welcoming throng at the airport. 13 year old JT Settles' dad served as a chaperone. “Very honorable in the name, even, that people come here to show the respect towards the veterans that fought and helped preserve the freedom of our country,” explained Settles.
There were many waiting who didn’t know anyone on board. Mary Ann Karris of Lexington said she was there to simply honor the folks who served our country and to welcome them back home.?
