Veterans Recall Honor Flight Trips to DC

The photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square on V-J Day, the day the U.S. celebrated victory over Japan during World War II, is one of the most iconic photos in American history. 

But for most servicemen and women, the return to civilian life at the end of the war was much quieter.

“(We) never had the opportunity to celebrate the end of World War II,” said Dante Ruffolo, who served as a sergeant with the military police. 

Ruffolo got his chance to commemorate the end of the war in April 2010 when he took part in Honor Flight Chicago, a one-day, whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C. that recognizes World War II veterans for their service. 

Several veterans who’ve gone on an Honor Flight, including Ruffolo, shared their stories Friday at .

Roughly 90 veterans participate in each Honor Flight, which leaves early in the morning from Midway and takes the men and women to D.C., where they visit war memorials, Arlington National Cemetery and the National Air and Space Museum. 

It’s an emotional experience as they pause at the various monuments in remembrance of the men and women who lost their lives while serving the U.S.

There was a wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II memorial the day Howard VenderMeer took his Honor Flight. Current military personnel from the Army and Navy stood in two rows as the wreath was placed within the granite structure.

“If you want to see a lot of geezers cry, myself included — it was really moving,” VanderMeer said.

Indian Prairie Trustee Luanne Spiros volunteers as a guardian who helps the veterans throughout their trip. 

One of the most remarkable parts of the journey, she said, is the veterans’ continued generosity toward one another. On one trip that was particularly hot, she recalled asking if any of them wanted a glass of water. 

“Without exception, the veterans said, ‘No, I don’t need any water. Give it to someone else,’” she said. “It was that sacrifice and willingness to give to others that was repeated over and over.”

The tributes to the veterans continues even as they arrive back in Chicago, typically around 9:30 p.m. On the plane home, each one gets a packet of letters written by family members, local schoolchildren and people in the community thanking them for their service.

Ruffolo described the tunnel of friends and family nearly 2,500 strong that greeted the veterans on his flight. With flags, posters and cheers, the crowd welcomed them with open arms.

VanderMeer said 35 people from his church joined 38 of his family members to await his arrival.

“I was just dumbfounded,” he said. “I had difficulty telling them how good I felt.” 

And just as the veterans themselves are honored for their service, so too does the day give them an opportunity to recognize the friends they lost so many years ago.

“These veterans will always live in our hearts, having given the greatest sacrifice they could,” Ruffolo said. “And they will never be forgotten.”