Thank you Honor Flight New England
Submitted by Paul V. Harrington, Marlborough
Marlborough – Paul V. Harrington, a lifelong resident of Marlborough, is a U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II. Recently he flew to Washington D.C. for the day as the guest of Honor Flight New England.
The nonprofit group is part of the national organization Honor Flight Network which, according to its website, “was created solely to honor America’s veterans for all of their sacrifices.” Veterans are flown, at no charge, to the nation’s capital, where they can visit and reflect at the war memorials located there. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – World War II survivors – along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill.
Harrington, 86, is also a past commander of Hudson Post 100 and past commander of Akroyd-Houde Post 132 Marlborough. He has also been a volunteer at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford for 12 years. His son Peter of Shrewsbury escorted him on the flight to Washington in a whirlwind day that started at 4:30 a.m. and then ended shortly after midnight. It is his hope, he said, that by sharing his story, other veterans will also get the chance to experience what he called “a truly wonderful day.”
Here, in his own words, is an accounting of his experience:
This event began on flight day at 5 a.m. with breakfast and registration at the Logan International Airport State Police barracks followed by busing to the Southwest Airlines terminal where all are welcomed aboard a charter plane. A State Police trooper dressed in kilts was playing service songs on a bagpipe. Some of the veterans were in wheelchairs; others used canes to maintain their balance, but all are present because of Honor Flight New England.
Arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), upon leaving the plane there were wheelchairs waiting for those who required them. Proceeding into the main terminal you passed through a line of well wishers carrying American flags and shaking hands with the veterans. It was very meaningful and brought tears to your eyes. The buses carried the veterans and their “Guardians” through the city with a police escort. Entering Washington, park rangers continued the procession throughout the tour.
The first stop was the World War II monument which had reminders of the battles fought and a pillar dedicated to each state and their heroes. At the Navy monument is the statue of the “Lone Sailor” who represents the four Chaplains: Father John P. Washington, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, Rev. George L. Fox and Rev. Clark V. Polling, all who gave up their life jackets so that others might live aboard the USAT Dorchester.
One of the most impressive sights is the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The solemnity held the attention of all present. The tour continued onto the Korean War monument which brought back memories to those who served in such a frigid terrain. The Air Force Museum was a stop which many veterans reflected upon. The Marine Corps Monument made the viewers wonder what it must have been like when the American flag was raised during that battle that cost so many lives.
As the sun was setting in the west the veterans stopped at a local American Legion Post where they were served a catered meal before returning to BWI. At the airport the veterans in wheelchairs were lined up side by side to await boarding the plane. One experience that brought tears to the eyes of many veterans were the young children that came up to each [veteran] and said “thank you” as they extended their hands.
Our youth of today become our leaders of tomorrow. We have done our best to make this a better world. The torch of freedom has been passed on. The future is up to you.
Thank you Honor Flight New England for making this all possible and for your service to our veterans.
For more information on Honor Flight New England, visit http://www.honorflightnewengland.org.