Michigan State University teamed up with Mid-Michigan Honor Flight to house 63 veterans visiting Washington D.C. to see the national war memorials dedicated to their service.
The veterans spent the night on June 7 at Case Hall, prior to leaving for a one-day trip to the nation’s capital on June 8, and after they returned.
The group consisted of more than 55 World War II veterans and several that served in the Vietnam and Korean wars. For many this was not only an opportunity to visit the memorials but a chance to interact with fellow veterans and share their stories.
“It’s eye opening and very moving; this generation was doing what they thought they had to do,” said Cheryl Colley, Honor Flight photographer and Vietnam War veteran. “Some of the veterans here are still making friends for life.”
Each veteran was accompanied on the trip by a guardian, a family member or close friend. For many the opportunity to share in the experience with a loved one was impactful.
“Just hearing ‘thank you for your service’ is very meaningful and it’s an honor to be part of this event,” said Honor Flight guardian Harvey Allen.
Honor Flight honoree Martin Saper graduated from MSU in 1941 with a degree in mechanical engineering. After joining the Army Air Corp, he worked in China, Burma and India during WWII to repair oxygen systems on aircrafts. Saper is 99 years old and was accompanied on the trip by his son Roy Saper.
For many veterans like Saper, Honor Flight is the last opportunities they will have to visit Washington D.C. and the national memorials.
MSU and the Lansing community worked together to make the veterans feel welcome during the experience. University President Lou Anna K. Simon, Board of Trustees Vice President Bill Beekman and head football Coach Mark Dantonio spoke with veterans at Case Hall and a large public welcome was organized for their return to Capital Region International Airport on June 8.
“We were treated like royalty at MSU and the way the Lansing community thanked the veterans at the airport when they returned was incredible,” said Tricia Donegan, Mid-Michiagn Honor Flight hub director. “This experience was tremendous and something the veterans will never forget.”
For more information about Mid-Michigan Honor Flight visit their website.