QBC Members describe their memorable WW II Honor Flight

Ted Beattie and Clif Shipman, both World War II veterans, were recently invited to participate in the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight to Washington D. C.

The group consisted of thirty-five WWII veterans (many were in wheelchairs) accompanied by twenty-four guardians.  All costs for veterans travel were paid for, but the volunteers all paid their own way.  The South West Aircraft departed DIA on the 17th of October and landed at Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI) in Maryland, and we all proceeded to the Baltimore Hilton Hotel.  That evening we all gathered for a private and delicious buffet.

Friday the 18th all were bused into Washington D. C. to tour The WWII memorial, The Navy Memorial, The Lone Sailor Memorial, The Korean War Memorial, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Lincoln Memorial and The Washington Navy Yard which houses The National Navy Museum.  That evening back at the hotel we were honored with a banquet.

Saturday after breakfast the group was bused to Arlington National Cemetery and were guests at the viewing of the Changing Of The Guard Ceremony at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier.  Time was spent there viewing many other memorials.  Next stop was The Marine Corps Memorial.  Lunch was at The China Garden Chinese Restaurant.  After lunch we proceeded to The FDR Memorial, then on to BWI for the flight back to Denver.

The Veterans all had a wonderful and memorable trip making new friends and exchanging stories of times long past.  Words alone could not possibly give credit to the volunteers who were so kind and helpful to the vets, all to provide a lifetime memory to each and everyone of them.

Some of the especially surprising and wonderful experiences have, purposely, been left out of this story so as to provide future WWII vets going on The Honor Flights with the unexpected heart thumping, tear jerking honor that Ted and Clif enjoyed.