Taking Off from the Nation's Capital

After a few drinks for Joe's birthday and the Hellmuth's graduation, we arrived at DCA for our flight to Chicago. As Joe was ogling over TSA's snazzy terrorist-detection machines, we noticed a commotion just past the security gate. A crowd of flag-wielding patriots and a brass band erupted as an intercom voice announced the arrival of an honor flight of WWII veterans from Rochester, Minnesota. As the veterans approached the gate, two firetrucks sprayed a water bridge over the plane and the ground crew waved POW and American flags.

A drum roll echoed through the terminal and passengers stood, many teary-eyed. One by one, gray-haired men in goldenrod shirts and military hats walked or wheeled through a growing crowd of cheering, grateful faces. Thinking of our grandfathers, we began our trip across the country.