Elton, Paul and Herman Watlington of Jackson and Memphis boarded the honor flight together.
One hundred World War II veterans from Tennessee left Nashville Wednesday morning on a 12-hour trip to Washington. The so-called “honor flights” give elderly service members the chance to see the WWII monument and visit other sites.
For some on the flight like Jesse Wright of Nashville, this is a first trip to see the war monuments. He says it’s an emotional experience.
“Even though it’s been 60 years, you don’t forget it. It don’t wipe out your mind.”
Wright served on a Navy submarine in the South Pacific.
Elton Watlington of Memphis was part of the occupying Army in Japan. He and two of his older brothers boarded the flight. Watlington says they have time and money, but they need help traveling.
“We’re not in shape to go to Washington without some supervision.”
The average age on the flight from Nashville was 87.5. Elmer Blair of Clarksville turns 91 next month. He says he hopes to see his wife’s tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery.
“She being retired military, I could bury her in Arlington, and I’ll be buried there too.”
The Honor Flight Volunteers of Franklin coordinated the trip and raised funds to charter a US Airways jet.
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