Honor

    Respect, distinction, and high regard are all used to define the word Honor.  Mostly, I prefer the word respect.  It's a complex word, difficult for an 8, 7, and 4 year old to understand.  But, I want my children to grow up showing respect and honor to those who have served our country.  Saturday evening, our family had the most awesome opportunity to pay respect to veterans and servicemen, and our grandfather was among them. 

    HonorFlight.org is a non-profit organization that honors our veterans by flying them to Washington D.C for the day to visit the memorials celebrating their service and flies them home.  It's a long day, but a once  in a lifetime opportunity.  Andy's family learned of this organization, applied for his 89 year-old grandfather to take part in this honor, and Saturday was his day.

He left the airport around 5:30am, and was due back around 9:15pm.  While this was beyond bedtime, it was important for our children to honor and respect those who served, to see those who have made a difference in our lives, our families' lives, and our country.  When we arrived, hundreds had already gathered to salute those coming home.

Bagpipes were practicing, hand-made signs were displayed, and EVERYONE was waving the red, white, and blue flag in honor of this great country. 

Grandpa was entertaining the kids, while sitting on the luggage terminal.  Andy and Austin had one of the greatest honor to hold the American Flag as the veterans walked by from the Cub Scout packs.

This mama was so proud of her men, honoring in their Cub Scout way.
Soon, the crowds mulitplied, chants of USA boomed in the terminal, and the moment arrived.  The veterans walked proudly with their Buddy down the aisle, shaking hands and were given hugs for their great service.  Grandpa Stirn walked proudly down the aisle and his face glowed as we celebrated his moment in time, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

We had to get a group photo of all his family and friends, and then of his daughters.

At the end, the bagpipes played and soon it was still.  As the accapella voices rang out and everyone chimed in singing, "God Bless America."  And my children were enveloped in their grandparents arms as we celebrated and honored and respected what we witnessed on this late Saturday evening.

What a wild, precious amazing life I've been given.  There is so much good happening around us.  It's time to seek it out, look for it, embrace it, and celebrate.  Thank you to everyone in the Honor Flight organization.  What an amazing difference you made in those 80 men on that Saturday evening.