World War II veterans receive mail during Honor Flight trip

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dozens of local veterans enjoyed the trip of a lifetime this week. Central Valley Honor Flight flew them to Washington, D.C., to see their World War II memorial and other national war memorials and monuments.

I took that trip with them, and here's what happened during the final hours of the Honor Flight -- high above the country they fought to protect.

Somewhere, high above Colorado, a scene you might see in an old war movie, played out for real inside the cabin of the Honor Flight charter heading home to Fresno.

Mail call. One by one, thick manila envelopes filled with cards, letters, pictures, even children's drawings were passed down the aisle of the aircraft and into the unexpecting but anxious hands of the 68 veterans on board.

John Rose, Jr., 88, of Madera delivered mail for the Army during World War II.

"I knew how it felt to get mail, and I'm getting that feeling right now," said Rose.

A wonderful -- and at times -- overwhelming surprise greeted these old warriors as they read the words of appreciation in those messages from family, friends, neighbors, schoolchildren, and even perfect strangers.

"You made sure when you went into the military that you would protect your family from harm and your whole country," one woman read.

"I'm absolutely amazed at how they got in touch with all these people," said veteran John Wagenhalls.

Visalia veteran Ed Dias read the letters from home sitting next to his son, who found it hard to contain the tears.

"The life and freedom that we have, that our family has, is due to the effort of these guys. It's not until now that people are finally really appreciating it, and it's really moving, and that's what got to me," said Dias.

To these veterans, this special mail from home now becomes treasured and precious evidence of their call to duty and a life well-spent. They know the sacrifice of their youth was not in vain and not forgotten, but will inspire future generations. The Honor Flight returns home -- their final mission accomplished.

The third and fourth Central Valley Honor Flights to Washington, D.C., are scheduled for June and September. Donations cover all expenses for the veterans. For more information, or to donate to the organization, visit www.cvhonorflight.org/donate.html.