Something really cool is going on across the country and it will make you smile.

Just this past month I was informed by my grandmother that my grandfather was selected to go on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. later this year. Unsure what this was, she told me it was a program put on for veterans in which they are given all expense paid day trip to Washington DC. The veterans are given a tour of the memorials that are built in their honor, including the WWII, Korea and Vietnam War Memorials.

In addition to an entire day of festivities, on the plane ride home the veterans are given letters written to the, by their loved ones, thanking them for their service. Even though I knew my grandpa was a veteran, I had never taken the time to really ask him what he did when he was in service, and upon hearing he was selected, I asked him about his experience, and he was so proud to tell me about his time. In my letter to him, I told him how thankful we were for all he did. Upon arrival at the airport, there was a surprise welcoming home party in which as many people as possible came to greet each veteran. There were signs, posters, all of the festivities. I just think this is such a cool idea and way to thank the veterans for their service. It means so much more to them than we could ever imagine. When asking my grandpa if he was excited, he said something along the lines of “The night after I heard I was chosen, I couldn’t sleep because I was so excited”. He was 100 percent serious, he is that excited. If you have a family member who served in the military during any of those time periods, have them apply or look into the Honor Flight program. It could be the reason they don't sleep for a night too.