Friday, August 28, 2009

World War II vets humbled by heroes' reception


By MELINDA MAWDSLEY/The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
"Cleo Elliott and Bob Strong received the welcome home reception of their dreams Wednesday.
Thousands packed the Grand Junction Regional Airport terminal to cheer for the more than 100 area World War II veterans who returned to Grand Junction aboard their charter flight arranged by Western Slope Honor Flight.
The 36-hour trip began Tuesday when veterans boarded the free flight from Grand Junction to Washington, D.C., to tour war memorials. On Wednesday afternoon, the group returned home to band music, patriotic signs and thousands of American flags.
“I’m awed with this reception we got today,” said Strong, 83. “I don’t shed a tear often, but I almost had a tear in my eye.”
Strong wasn’t alone.
Tears poured down the faces of women carrying flags and men wearing military hats inside the airport."

World War II vets humbled by heroes' reception:

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