Woman inspired by veterans' journey

As the clock in the hotel lobby chimed 5 a.m., you could feel the excitement in the air as 102 World War II veterans prepared to leave on what some were calling a trip of a lifetime to the memorial honoring their service.

I had the opportunity to go along as a guardian, helping our vets in any way needed. Watching them talk among themselves, I noticed a strong feeling of brotherhood as they started to talk about where they had been during the war and how, as one gentleman put it, he just didn’t understand the need for all the hoopla.

Maybe that’s why they call them the greatest generation. So modest as they talked, many sharing stories they had kept inside for more than 60 years.

To watch them step off the plane was a transformation. They boarded the plane in Omaha soldiers with walkers, canes and wheelchairs and deplaned standing a bit taller and prouder. You could have heard a pin drop as the buses pulled up to the World War II Memorial.

A few sniffles could be heard along with comments of “all this is for us? Its bigger than I thought and look at all those kids standing on the sidewalk.”

Those kids were from Columbus, Ohio, and these eighth graders clapped and cheered until their hands were red, as the Nebraska veterans walked the path to the memorial. At the end of the path stood current military personnel waiting to say thanks. What caught them off guard was the thanks they received from soldiers from years gone bye.

As we toured other monuments in Washington, D.C., it was amazing how tourists would stop to thank them for their service. It made me proud as a guardian, a Mom and an American to see the youth of today showing so much respect for the greatest generation.

Wednesday was a day for these men and 1 women to have their official welcome home celebration and a welcome home it was.

Susan Littlefield is the farm director of KZEN/Farm and Ranch Market Network.