by John Mercure
We took 140 WWII and Korean War vets and their guardians to
Washington, D.C. to see their memorials. We all meet at the airport at 5am and boarded planes for the nation’s capitol. It’s about celebrating the sacrifice and selflessness that these brave men and women showed 60 or 70 years ago. After a two hour flight to Washington we arrive to a heroes welcome at Washington Reagan Airport. There were marching bands and active duty military personnel on hand to meet our Wisconsin veterans.
With a Parks Police escort we spend the day touring Washington, D.C. There’s time for celebration and reflection, sometimes just moments apart. On this most recent Honor Flight we visited the WWII Memorial, The Korean War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetary for the Changing of the Guard, The Iwo Jima Memorial, The Air Force Memorial and The FDR Memorial. There are tears and hugs and lots of appreciation throughout the day.
One of the most special parts of the day occurs on the flight back to Milwaukee. There is a traditional “mail call’ that is very similar to what veterans experienced back during their service days. Each veteran gets a packet of letters written by family members and friends. The tears and laughter flow freely. The homecoming at Milwaukee’s Mitchell
International Airport is breathtaking.
4000 flag waving, cheering admirers showed up to welcome our heroes home. There was a bagpiper band, hundreds of active duty military, and a marching band on hand to salute and celebrate our 140 veterans. It is a homecoming that doesn’t leave a dry eye in the house.
The Reason I do it is very simple. These are men and women who went off to war 70 years ago. They put their lives on hold and fought for freedom. They then came back and built America. I think it’s important to recognized that freedom. I don’t think it’s exaggerating to say that without their valiant efforts our nation and the world wouldn’t’ be what it is today. These humble servants deserve our recognition and admiration.
The response of our listeners was overwhelming. The generosity was incredible. Our listeners raised more than $250,000 in less than a month. One month! The WTMJ Cares campaign is just another example of how local radio can impact a community and how local listeners can make a 
real difference. It is a true testament of how the oldest broadcast media medium is still real and relevant in our community and in the lives of others.
The veterans who went on this flight were grateful and humbled. I had one veteran tell me that outside of his wedding day, this was the best day of his life. The smiles and hugs and handshakes bring home the importance of a day like this.
Reach out to John Mercure to congratulate him on this outstanding idea at [email protected]
