On October 20th, 2014, ten veterans representing the Vietnam War, Korean War, and WWII traveled to our nation’s capital to see the memorials built in their honor. This was Wish of a Lifetime and The Vital Life Foundation’s third Journey of Heroes trip, an experience the non-profit partners created to honor veterans for their incredible sacrifices.
On the first day of the tour, the group lucked out with beautiful weather. The first stop was the Vietnam Wall, where our veterans were greeted by elementary, middle, and high school students, receiving thanks for their service to our country. Next, they walked to the Korean Memorial, and then the WWII Memorial, where they had a 90-minute tour led by a volunteer from the National Park Service. After the WWII Memorial, the group went to the Arlington National Cemetery, where they were able to experience the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as part of their bus tour around the historic cemetery.
On day two, the group took a trip to Chantilly, Virginia to visit the Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum. This was undoubtedly a highlight of the trip, especially for our Air Force Veterans. Later that night, the group got back on the bus and left for Rockville, Maryland where they had dinner at American Legion Post 86. It was the perfect ending to an incredible trip.
“This is my best day of the year and I will never forget it. I forget a lot of things all day long, but not this,” said WWII Veteran Joe R. after visiting the memorials. There was a joyful and patriotic sentiment among the veterans by the end of the trip, and the group felt like a family after sharing the emotional and exciting journey together. Wish of a Lifetime and The Vital Life Foundation hope to continue to make dreams come true for veterans each and every year.
