Samuel Hardman

When I got to go on the second flight in May of 2008 it was an experience of a lifetime as I never expected to get to see [the World War II Memorial] at my age. Then to top it off there was Sen. Bob Dole at the entrance waiting to great us. I got to meet him and thank him for all his good efforts in getting it completed. The trip was wonderful in every way from the food under the tent and our Tennessee Senators there to greet us and then to end the day at the Arlington National Cemetery to see the changing of the Guard was awesome.

None of the vets will ever forget the reception we received when we got off the plane in Washington and the huge crowd to greet us on our return to Knoxville with American Flags flying and the [Pride of the Southland] Band playing Rocky Top.

James Dewhirst

Thanks so much for including me in the HonorAir group from Knoxville. Where did all those folks come from at the Washington and Knoxville Terminals? It was a touching experience, maybe because it had not happened to most of us. We just went back to school or work. Seeing the WW II Memorial was super but the experience will be lasting.

Bernie Shorr

When we returned at the end of the day, a large crowd welcomed us home, clapping and waving flags and thanking us for our years of service. The UT Band played Rocky Top. We did not consider ourselves heroes even though we were treated as heroes on this trip. We just did what we had to do to win the war in the shortest possible time. After 68 years, I now realize that the American public really does appreciate what we did.

Norm Kratschmer

I have had 3 experiences in my life that have made a lasting impression on me. #1, the day I married my wife on October 2, 1942. (He recently lost her) #2. The day I returned home from overseas combat duty on August 17, 1945 because there were times I didn’t think I would make it, and #3, the trip to Washington, DC which was very emotional, and very memorable.

Raymond Shirley

The welcome awaiting us upon our return to Knoxville moved me to tears. It was in sharp contrast to the day I returned to my hometown in December, 1946. When I was discharged from the Navy, following the surrender of Japan, I was given a bus ticket to my home in Sheffield, Alabama. I arrived unnoticed with some fifty dollars in my pocket and no prospect of employment.