Don Cross and Peter Mason were part of a group of 52 veterans, their guardians and several volunteers, who spent the weekend of Oct. 18 – 20 in Washington D.C. as part of “Honor Flight Maine.” While there, they visited more than eight war memorials and Arlington Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard.
Each veteran is accompanied by a friend, and Don was extremely pleased to share this experience with Peter Mason, who served as his volunteer guardian. When they got home, Peter had much to say: “I was flattered when Don called to ask if I would join him for ‘Honor Flight Maine.’ For me, it was invigorating to see the gratitude and respect complete strangers paid to our veterans throughout the trip.”
Photo credit: Courtesy of Don CrossAirman Don Cross 1955
“After landing on Friday, our first ceremony was at Fort McHenry where 120 middle school students from Minnesota shook each and every veteran’s hand. From that ceremony and through each following stop, words of appreciation for our veterans service, were shared over and over again. It is so refreshing to witness this in today’s society!”
“When we returned home on Sunday morning, we were welcomed by hundreds of family members, friends, and other veterans for a meaningful program led by Honor Flight volunteers.
Photo credit: Virginia Wilder CrossDon Cross and Peter Mason about to board the Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
Charlie, a trip leader and retired Marine, hugged each veteran. In response, I overheard one of the veteran’s say, ‘thank you for making me whole again.’”
“I can’t begin to describe the overwhelming emotions I felt throughout this amazing trip, and I highly recommend this opportunity to others if they are lucky enough to be asked.”
Don served as a radar specialist in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-1958, and he now resides in the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta.