Honor Flight Network: A Letter of Gratitude to My Grandfather, Veterans & Community by Cassandra Lee Jones

Yesterday, while browsing my newsfeed, I came across a friend’s request for letters for his grandfather's Honor Flight. This brought a smile to my face because this same friend was eager to write a letter for my grandfather’s Honor Flight. 

For those of you unfamiliar with Honor Flights, there is a wonderful non-profit called Honor Flight Network that helps recognize veterans for their service with a flight to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials. They are treated to wonderful meals and given commemorative jackets. They are also given a surprise envelope full of letters from loved ones, thanking them for their bravery and sacrifice.

I wanted to make sure my grandfather had a truck load of letters, so naturally I also reached out on Facebook. With a lot of help from friends, former college professors and some complete strangers, my grandfather had so many letters he couldn’t read them all in one flight. The outpouring of support brought out a range of emotions in my grandfather. He was touched by everyone’s kindness, and I was touched by the community effort. It reminded me that kindness is around every corner; sometimes you just need to ask for a little help.

“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they walk by.” – Will Rogers

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