Local veterans take Honor Trip to D.C.
Their journeys span continents and conflicts, from the battlefields of Europe during World War II and the jungles of Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War to the deserts of Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. But one element shared by more than 160 local veterans who have participated in the HolmesWayne Community Honor Trip through the years istheir love for the United States of America. Their service,sacrifice, and stories are woven together by a commonthread of patriotism and duty.For the seventh time since the inaugural journey in 2016, a bus departed from the Shreve American Legion Post 67 on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7:00 a.m. sharp to travel the nearly 400 miles to the nation’s capital to honor the veterans aboard with a trip of a lifetime — visiting the national monuments and memorials dedicated to their service. The initial phase of this three-day trip is typically quiet, as nervous excitement and anticipation fill the air. By the first stop at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, new friendships are forming and the strong bonds created by this trip are beginning to take shape. These bonds unite individuals who have walked similar paths, even if they were at different times and places. By nightfall, there are no longer strangers among the group as veteran and guardian participants begin their journey through the memorials honoring our nation’s history. Softly illuminated at night, the Air Force and Pentagon memorials reveal a different splendor, one that resonates deeply with the stories and sacrifices they commemorate. As the group prepares for much-needed rest Friday evening, a sense of anticipation fills the air. The first stop in the morning will be the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. For many, it will be their first time visiting the black granite walls, where the names of more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives or remain missing are etched permanently in history. Nestled between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument along Constitution Avenue, this two-acre site is one that can elicit an array of emotions — anger, sadness, peace, and perhaps a sense of pride. Some choose to silently observe the names of their comrades, some take paper and pencil and gently rub over the name of a lost friend, and some are greeted for the first time with a “welcome home” — words they waited nearly a half a century to hear. For many, this is the most emotion-invoking stop on the trip, but one that allows a sense of peace and healing from thoughts and feelings that have been stored away, deep down inside, for years. For John Pumneo, a Vietnam veteran from Marshallville, finding the names of four family and friends from the Orrville area was a highlight of the trip. “It was humbling seeing all of the names on the wall and remembering the sacrifices made by so many,” he says. Etching the name of a close family friend, Dennis Flemming, will be a memory that he will hold near and dear to his heart and one that may not have been possible without the encouragement of his son-in-law and trip guardian, Nolan Hartzler. “I’m forever grateful to Nolan for encouraging me to participate in this incredible opportunity with my fellow veterans,” he says. “It’s been quite a moving experience.”
As the day crept on, the group made additional stops at various monuments strategically placed through the city: the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the U.S. Marines Corps Memorial, and the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, just to name a few. Each stop offered an opportunity to engage with history and reflect on the past. Each was a stark reminder that freedom is not free. “Everything about this trip has been memorable, from the new people that I have met to the time spent at the memorials; it could not be better,” says John Cannon, a Vietnam veteran from Ashland. “The opportunity to spend this time and share this experience with my grandsons, Cole Marley and Logan Asbury, is something I will never forget,” Cannon says. Cole was his grandfather’s guardian, while Logan, currently a sergeant in the U.S. Army and stationed in Fort Meade, Maryland, surprised his grandfather when the bus arrived in Washington on Friday.
After a day filled with mixed emotions, the group enjoyed an evening gathering at the Silver Diner, with its nostalgic 1950s theme. The chrome accents, red leather booths, and vintage jukeboxes transported the veterans back in time, offering a comforting and familiar atmosphere. This diner was more than just a place to eat; it was a place where stories of the past mingled with the present, providing an opportunity to unwind before the next day’s adventures.
Early Sunday morning, the group descended upon Arlington National Cemetery in their matching Honor Trip shirts — guardians in red and veterans in blue —showing solidarity for their new friends participating in the solemn tradition of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The wreath, on behalf of all area veterans, was offered in silence by Daniel Flory, Charlie Kiper, Mike Hufford, and Jim Cannon in honor of unidentified U.S. service members who died in combat.
Besides the wreath presentation, one of the most memorable aspects of visiting the tomb was witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony performed by the Sentinels of the 3rd U.S. Infantry regiment, known as the “The Old Guard.” The click of the sentinels’ shoes on the marble surface, the white-glove inspection, and passing of orders from one sentinel to the next all contribute to an atmosphere of profound respect.
As the group of new friends boarded the bus to begin their journey home, little did they know that an alreadymemorable day was about to get even better. A long overdue “welcome home” awaited them.
Back home, friends, family, and community members gathered with excitement. American flags waved in the breeze and colorful welcome home signs decorated the heart of downtown Shreve. Emotions were high as the bus crested the train tracks guided by their fire, police, and motorcycle escorts — our heroes were finally home!
The group was met with tears, hugs, and many thanks for their service. A brief ceremony included posting of colors by the Shreve American Legion Honor Guard, a welcome from Holmes-Wayne President/CEO Glenn Miller, and moving words of thanks from Shreve Mayor Josiah Martin and retired congressman Bob Gibbs. To end the night, each veteran was individually honored with a certificate of congressional recognition from the offices of congressmen Troy Balderson and Max Miller.
Whether they received a Bronze Star or a Purple Heart, served in active duty or during peacetime, each veteran on this trip was deserving of this recognition and honor.
The community shared the message loud and clear: “Welcome home, veterans. We are glad to have you back.”
If you are interested in supporting or participating in the Holmes-Wayne Community Honor Trip, please contact us toll-free at 866-674-1055 or visit the Honor Trip page on our website.
