Birmingham Honor Flight

The federal government estimates 1,200 WWII veterans die every day in this country.

Since 2004, an organization called Honor Flight has been taking our aging veterans to Washington, DC to see the memorials built there in their honor.

Right now about 8,000 WWII veterans are on the waiting list to go on an honor flight… at least 250 have passed away while waiting.

By the end of this year, more than 42,000 veterans will have gone to Washington for free through this remarkable program.

Bernard Goldstein of Hoover watched with pride five years ago as Washington dedicated the WWII memorial. He wondered if he would ever be able to see it for himself.

Last month, that dream finally came true.

“I’ve waited a long time to come up and see this and I’m just thrilled to death to be here,” Goldstein said.

Goldstein was one of 100 Alabama veterans that made the one-day trip. Their charter flight touched down in Baltimore bright and early.

The veterans were greeted as heroes by throngs of military members, airport workers and strangers who just wanted to offer thanks.

First there was a stop across the Potomac to see the Iwo Jima memorial. Then there was a short ride to the national mall, and a few precious moments for veterans to reflect on the sacrifices they made more than sixty years ago.

“Being in the infantry and being on the ground floor of all the action that was taking place stays with you forever, you never get rid of it,” Goldstein said.

Most sought out the Alabama column right away, posing for pictures with fellow veterans and caretakers.  Others meandered around the inner fountain.

The memorial isn’t meant to be a reminder of war… but rather a celebration of the courage and sacrifice of 16 million Americans.

“At last, one of my fondest dreams, I’ve had the chance to see it come true,” Goldstein said.

It was an emotional trip for many of the Alabama veterans who had never been to the WWII memorial as they thought about their friends who never made it back from the war.

“I’ve longed for the opportunity to come this place, not just to see the buildings and these kinds of things, but to think of some of my buddies who could not be here because of what happened,” Goldstein said.

Some veterans traveled with family members… sharing a special moment about a war they probably didn’t talk much about over the past 60 years.

Harvey Martin of Birmingham came here with his daughter and found himself overwhelmed with emotion.

“Why did it bring a tear to your eyes?  Because you lost so many friends.” Martin said. “It makes you appreciate the life we have today because of the sacrifices and of course those who didn’t return. A very emotional day.”

Members of Alabama’s congressional delegation stopped by to thank the veterans for their service…so did Gov. Bob Riley.

But this day wasn’t about policy or politics…it was about coming to terms with a war which killed 400,000 of their friends and neighbors, and with their bravery, protected the world from tyranny.

I think it’s wonderful. I think it’s simply wonderful,” Goldstein said.

In the past year, Bernard Goldstein has started writing down his life story so his children and grandchildren can learn from his experiences, including the war.

Like many veterans, when Goldstein came back from the war he wanted to get on with his life… he didn’t spend much time talking about what he saw.

“Some guys have a hard time with it. I probably will too,” Goldstein said. “When I get home and try to go to sleep tonight I’m sure I’m going to recall a lot of things that I haven’t thought of in a lot of years.”

Later that night, back in Birmingham, happy friends and relatives welcomed the veterans home like the heroes they are… representing an entire nation which will never stop applauding what they did for us more than 60 years ago.   

Honor Flight Birmingham needs your donations to help keep the flights going. They have enough money to take another 100 veterans to Washington in October, but there are 250 more veterans on the waiting list.

They’ll need to raise $150,000 to make their dreams come true.

People wishing to give should send a check payable to American Legion Honor Flight and mail to:
1401 Doug Baker Blvd., 107-185
Birmingham, AL 35242

You can also visit their Web site or for more information on donating or volunteering.