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A hero's welcome

Photo By Master Sgt. Jonathan Lovelady | Dawn Jones, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, welcomes a World War...... read more read more

WASHINGTON , DC, UNITED STATES

10.19.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Lovelady

Defense Intelligence Agency

WASHINGTON - Hundred gathered to welcome World War II veterans to Washington on Oct. 19, 2013. The veterans were on an Honor Flight Network funded trip to visit the WWII memorial.

An hour before the plane touched down at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; it felt like any other day in any other airport. Some passengers in the terminal made small talk to pass the time before boarding their flights. Others grabbed a bite to eat or buried their heads in books. But for one anxious family, this was no ordinary day at the airport.

Jean Glossa, her husband and two daughters were awaiting the arrival of one very special passenger. Her father, Richard Glossa, was finally participating in an Honor Flight Network sponsored trip to Washington to view the World War II memorial after years of reluctance. His reservations about making the trip from Jensen Beach, Fla. did not stem from a fear of travel or painful memories, but from his youthful spirit and selfless nature.

“We talked to him about it for a couple of years,” said Jean, “but like a typical WWII vet, he didn’t want to do it. He said, ‘Let the old guys go.’ He didn’t want to do it because he didn’t like all of the attention.” As the big day drew closer, Glossa, a U.S. Navy pharmacist’s mate who served in Japan, began to embrace the idea of sharing the experience with his family and fellow veterans. He even sent his daughter a picture of himself wearing the T-shirt and hat he received from the Honor Flight Network.

The plane taxied through an arch of water from two fire engines and pulled up to the gate. What started as a normal day in the airline terminal had transformed into a truly remarkable site. Hundreds of volunteers and airline passengers had gathered at the arrival gate and formed a receiving line to celebrate the arrival of heroes from the “Greatest Generation.” The line, which stared at the gate and extended the entire length of the terminal, was filled with cheering fans waving American flags and holding up welcome signs.

The crowd of grateful spectators greeted the veterans with handshakes, hugs and even a few kisses. Men, women and children jumped at the opportunity to say “thank you” and have a photo taken with real life American heroes. Emotions were running high and many people, vets and crowd members alike, were brought to tears.

The big moment finally arrived as Richard Glossa emerged from the gate. His eyes grew wide as he took in the spectacle and realized all of the commotion was for him and his fellow vets. Jean let out a soft, “That’s my dad.” as she raced over and greeted him with a big hug. The two of them, tears in their eyes, posed for a photograph and he began exchanging pleasantries and handshakes with the crowd.

While waiting to board the tour bus, Richard Glossa, who was re-routed to Japan after being told he could not serve with his brother on the USS Constellation after the Sullivan brothers’ deaths, reflected on the emotional arrival. “It brought tears to my eyes,” he said. “I don’t usually cry, but seeing all those people, it was something else. It’s just terrific!” Glossa and the veterans then boarded charter buses and began their tour of the National Capitol Region.

The Honor Flight Network provides American veterans all-inclusive trips to view the various memorials to the wars in which they served. The trips include air travel to and from DC, meals and beverages, a personal volunteer escort, and any wheelchair or medical accommodations necessary to the guests. Local medical providers will often donate time for these special flights. All of the arrangements are free of cost to the traveler and funded through donations and volunteers.

The Honor Flight Network welcomes any active duty military, retirees, or civilian guests to meet and greet with future incoming Honor flights. For more information, visit www.honorflight.org.