Letter: Touched by Honor Flight

My service in the Army Air Corp, now U.S. Air Force, began in Miami Beach in 1943. A favorite song we sang as we marched to our various formations and classes was “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”

At the conclusion of this phase of our training, our lives became more serious with less time for marching and singing. Nevertheless, the song has stayed with me all of these years, with its words being truly carried out for me recently.

When I marched home 63 years ago, I went as one to the open arms of my mother, father, sister, brother, aunt and great-grandfather. Recently I have come home again to many. What wonderful homecomings!

Now I write to express my gratitude and admiration to all of the people associated with the Wiregrass Honor Flight on Sept. 26. Their hard work and dedication to this endeavor has meant so much to me, our son, Ted Bryant III, and my family. Thank you, Mr. Mike Abbott, Mr. Bob Bunting and all of the people in the red shirts and blue shirts, doctors, nurses and news media.

I wish to tell you some of the occurrences and happenings that made our trip so special. Upon landing at the Baltimore airport and before leaving the aircraft, we were welcomed by an Army general.

Once we entered the airport terminal, we were greeted by a double receiving line of soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts reached to touch our hands, and as they did, I recalled the oath that I learned 72 years ago. I could not help but recite “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country.”

After such a reception we were again honored upon leaving as an Army band played.

The next stop brought us to the War Memorial, where we observed the laying of the wreath at the Alabama memorial. Along with the observance, this stop was particularly special for me because my niece and her husband, an Air Force colonel who serves in the Pentagon, along with their two children, visited with us as we ate lunch and toured. From here we traveled to Arlington National Cemetery, where we visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and observed the changing of the guard.

Finally, the most outstanding part of the trip occurred at the Dothan airport. Large crowds of patriotic people including family, friends, servicemen and women, an Army band, fire trucks and police organizations lined the runway to welcome us home from a memorable day.

Along with all of the experiences from my years in service and my life in the United States of America, I am grateful as well as humbled to have been on this Honor Flight. Such a hometown reception made us older men feel young again as “Johnny” did come marching home!

Ted Bryant
Dothan