Steve Sampson
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
I had the distinct privilege of being on Central Missouri Honor Flight #56, on Nov. 5, 2018. It was a long day starting at 12:15 a.m. Monday with breakfast at the Courtyard by Marriott. Upon arrival at the Marriott, we were greeted by many that welcomed us home and thanked us for our service. I couldn't help but contrast that patriotic expression with the despicable behavior of a few, at the University of Missouri, that called for "a little muscle over here" to expel a reporter that wanted to report on the disturbance at the university. We boarded the three buses for our ride to Lambert Airport in St Louis. The flight to Reagan National in Washington, D.C. was uneventful and on time. Upon arrival, we were greeted by citizens welcoming us, waving flags, and shaking our hands to welcome us home and thanking us for our service. What a true expression of patriotism we all experienced.
We boarded our buses in Washington for our tour of the monuments and were provided with Capitol Police escorts, which allowed us to move through traffic effortlessly. With their lights flashing and their sirens going, even the drivers in Washington pulled over to let our entourage continue on our tour of the monuments. We stopped at the Tomb of the Unknowns, in Arlington, where we observed the changing of the guard and the laying of a new wreath at the tomb. It was raining, but we all stood, except those in wheelchairs, with reverence as we observed this solemn occasion. We also visited the WW2 Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Marine Corps Memorial, Women in Service Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and the Lincoln memorial.
The flight back to St Louis was uneventful, with the exception that we left Reagan late which also meant that our arrival back at the Marriott would be later than anticipated. On the flight we had mail call, which were letters written by the veterans loved ones or friends, thanking them for their service. From Kingdom City to the Marriott we were escorted by Missouri Highway Patrol, Columbia Police, Boone County Sheriff's deputies, and University of Missouri Police. In addition, the Missouri Patriot Guard motorcyclists, were part of the escorts. They had over 100 cycles in rainy, cold weather doing this escorting. What a testament to their patriotism and dedication.
To be continued.