With Honor
Yesterday, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight made another trip from Cedar Rapids to our nation’s capital; today, the Sullivan Hartogh Davis Cedar Valley Honor Flight takes place, from Waterloo to Washington, D.C.
Given all the political rancor these days…given all the polarization…the threat of government shutdowns, the threat of government exerting too much control over citizens…it’s nice to put that aside for just a minute and give thanks for those who fought so we could have the right to be at each other’s political throats.
Some volunteered, some were drafted…but all served and their families all sacrificed. To have them return to the American seat of government and be appreciated is important…not just for those who served and made the trip, but in memory of those who served and never made it home.
And for those who served in conflicts that became unpopular at home…they hardly received a hero’s welcome when their tour of duty was over, so any thanks that can be extended now is overdue and still not enough.
Seeing images of veterans touring the landmarks and memorials…ones they fought for our right to have…is touching, even at a distance. I was asked to go along on the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight yesterday, but obligations here would not allow it. But I do look forward to seeing the gratifying looks on faces of veterans at some point in the not distant future. In the meantime, KXEL is pleased to support both honor flights in various ways, including the sale of our limited edition patriotic-themed ball caps which you can purchase at our Waterloo studios during business hours, and at KXEL.com—every nickel of proceeds goes to support these important honor flights.
The flights serve not only as a wonderful experience for veterans and their families…but for all of us to remember the best of America…not what we see on display in public life these days.
