Kirkpatrick Partners posted on February 06, 2013 05:01
Stars and Stripes Honor Flight
From Milwaukee to D.C.
Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices. They transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to the senior veterans - World War II survivors - along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill.
Of all the wars in recent memory, it was World War II that truly threatened our very existence as a nation - and as a culturally diverse, free society. Now, with over one thousand World War II veterans dying each day, our time to express our thanks to these brave men and women is running out.
During the early morning hours of November 3, 2012, two Delta 757 jets took off from the Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, bound for Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C. On board were four Kirkpatricks:
PFC Donald L. Kirkpatrick, US Army, retired (age 88)
Lt. Robert B. Kirkpatrick, US Army Air Force, retired (age 94)
Cpt. Timothy R. Kirkpatrick, US Navy, retired (Bob’s son)
James D. Kirkpatrick, (Donald’s son)
Tim and Jim were official “guardians” on the flight and during the day in Washington, carefully watching over the safety of their fathers.
During the full day, over 250 WWII vets and their 250 guardians visited four memorials on or near the Capitol mall, including WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Marines. What a powerful and meaningful day for all who attended! In addition to an enthusiastic and thankful crowd waiting for the heroes at Dulles, an estimated enthusiastic crowd of over 7,000 was awaiting their return in Milwaukee.
Please click here to see a touching video slideshow of Don and Bob during this important trip.
This was billed for these vets as “one final mission.” Mission accomplished.
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