The Greatest Generation

Honoring veterans from World War II. By Patty Hutchens.

"It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced." – Tom Brokaw

It’s been called The Greatest Generation; those who lived during the great depression and went on to fight in World War II. Tom Brokaw, in his book by the same name, stated that the men and women of that era fought not for fame and recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.

But it was not until April 2004 that those men and women who fought in the last war that truly threatened our nation’s existence were honored with a memorial of their own. Located in Washington, D.C., the Memorial pays tribute to the16 million who served in the World War II armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home. But what is unfortunate is that the men and women to whom the memorial is dedicated are now elderly, which can make traveling both financially and physically prohibitive. In fact, according to the Veterans’ Administration, approximately 640 World War II veterans die each day.

Thankfully for many veterans here in the Inland Northwest, there is an organization that to date has helped 892 veterans visit Washington, D.C. at no charge to the local heroes. Inland Northwest Honor Flight headquartered in Spokane escorts veterans to the nation’s capitol and even has volunteers who will accompany those who need assistance.

Priority is given to the most eldest of veterans, those who fought in World War II.

The cost to send a veteran on the two day, one night trip is approximately $1000, and for those who know someone who has participated in the trip, they say it is amazing to see the impact it has on the men and women who are finally given an opportunity to reflect, remember and honor those with whom they served.

“It is great when you to the airport to welcome them back and you see how emotional it was and how much the trip meant to them,” said Logan Finney, a junior at Sandpoint High School and a member of that school’s Honor Flight Club which raises money to help send veterans. Logan decided to do what he could for the veterans after his great grandfather, a veteran of World War II, passed away. “I never got to hear many of his stories,” said Logan, who has since enjoyed interacting with the veterans he has met.

Madie Slaton-Sanford is a senior at Sandpoint High School and she also has been very involved with the club. In addition to raising money and meeting the veterans when they arrive home from their trip, Madie said she also enjoys learning from them. “We try to interact with them as much as we can. We know they are getting up there in age,” she said. “We need to give them more attention. They did amazing things.”

Both Logan and Madie agree that the World War II veterans they have met are very humble and do not talk much about their experience unless asked. “They did their job, threw their duffle bag down and went on with their lives,” said Logan of the veterans when they returned home from the war.

John Nitcy is a teacher at Sandpoint High School and decided to form the club after visiting Washington, D.C. “I came away from there wondering what I could do to help,” said Nitcy. Not only has he formed the club at the school, but last year he spent his own money to be a guardian for one of the travelers needing assistance on the trip. He escorted a World War II veteran from Yakima and was truly moved by the experience.

“You could ask them any question and they’d tell you stories that were amazing. It’s incredible what these guys went through,” said Nitcy, who shares that one veteran traveled on the trip to honor his brother who was killed in World War II.

While November is the month during which we set aside a day to honor our veterans, it’s important to honor our veterans and current military personnel every day of the year. And you may want to ask them some questions too; after all they are a living testament to what made this country what it is today.

“These guys saved the world,” said Nitcy. “These kids get to shake hands with history.”

To donate to Sandpoint High School’s Honor Flight Club and help them reach their goal of $10,000 by June 2015, please sent your donation to: Sandpoint High School Honor Flight Club Attn: John Nitcy, 410 South Division, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864.

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