By Laura Hipshire
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

This past October, 28 veterans living at Fox Run, in Novi, Mich., took a special flight to Washington, D.C., to see the World War II Memorial, among other sights.

"I wanted to see [the memorial]," says former Army Pfc. Ed Bayus. "I donated money to help build it."

The unique flight was made possible by the Honor Flight Program, conceived by Earl Morse, a physician assistant and retired Air Force captain, to honor veterans he has cared for over the past 27 years.

Donald "Hoppy" Hanson, who lives at Fox Run, planned and coordinated the trip. Michelle Cassabon, community resources coordinator, and Barbara Chirio, a neighbor resident, volunteered to help with the trip including boarding and traveling.

A destination for all veterans
While taking care of the veterans, Morse discovered many wished to see the World War II Memorial but weren’t financially or physically able to. So he developed Honor Flight, a volunteer program to fly veterans to the memorial.

Bayus says when he and his fellow veterans arrived in Washington, D.C., a huge crowd of supporters greeted them. "It was very emotional," he says.

VIP vets
The veterans met Senator Bob Dole, also a World War II veteran. Senator Dole visits with veterans and poses for photos every time an Honor Flight group visits the World War II memorial.

From the airport, the group took buses to sights such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, and of course, the World War II Memorial.

"It was easy for us to do what we wanted to do in Washington, D.C.," Bayus says, referring to how well-organized the trip was. Every detail was covered, from meals to transportation to sightseeing—all thanks to volunteers.

Bayus and the other Honor Flight attendees were presented with a colorful, hardbound book as a reminder of the experience. He says he is eternally grateful he had a chance to take the special trip.

"It was nice to have someone acknowledge us," Bayus says.