Above: Sharing stories of their memorable Honor Flight trip to Washington D.C. during Fisherman’s Picnic were Honor Flight Guardian David Lovaas, Korean War Veteran Ken Lovaas and Honor Flight Guardian Orvis Lunke. The men were raising money for the Northland Honor Flight to help other vets travel to Washington D.C. to see the memorials built in honor of their sacrifices. Guardians pay their way to assist veterans on the trip, but for veterans the flight is free, in appreciation of their service.
The last Cook County participants in the Northland Honor Flight were so moved by the experience that they are working to help other veterans make the trip to Washington, D.C. to see the national monuments built in honor of their sacrifices.
Orvis Lunke of Colvill served as a “guardian” on the May 15, 2012 Honor Flight, accompanying two Dulutharea World War II veterans. Ken Lovaas of Grand Marais, a Korean War veteran, made the trip with his “guardian” son, David Lovaas. They were all amazed at the reception given them by grateful citizens along the way.
The day started early, with veterans and guardians settled on the plane in Duluth by 5:30 a.m. The early morning departure was brightened by the presence of the Red Cross, which furnished donuts and coffee.
Arriving in Washington, D.C., the veterans were greeted at Reagan National Airport by fire trucks on either side of the plane, spraying a water salute. Disembarking, they were met by U.S. Representative Chip Cravaack, dozens of active duty soldiers, and school children. “They lined the corridor,” said Lunke, back home in Cook County. “It was the same everywhere, at all the memorials. They lined the sidewalks and shook the veterans’ hands and gave hugs. There were some tears.”
Left: Orvis Lunke of Grand Marais served as a Guardian on the May 15, 2012 Northland Honor Flight, accompanying two Duluth-area World War II veterans. He is pictured here with one of those gentlemen, Ken Mueller.
The Honor Flight group boarded buses and a tour guide pointed out sights throughout Washington, D.C.—Arlington Cemetery, the Iwo Jima Memorial, the White House and more. Lunke said when they got off the bus at the World War II Monument, one veteran was overcome. “They did this all for us?” he said.
They were met at the World War II Monument by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken.
After a busy day of sightseeing and remembering, the veterans were back aboard the plane to return to Duluth, but that was not the end of the expressions of thanks. As they got off the plane back in Duluth, they were met by members of the Patriot Guard, a veterans’ motorcycle group. As they went down the steps, they were greeted by an American Legion Band and bagpipes.
“It was just amazing,” said Lunke. “It was so meaningful. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Lunke and Ken and David Lovaas are so committed to the Honor Flight program that they spent time at Fisherman’s Picnic at a table in front of American Legion Post 413, accepting donations for the Northland Honor Flight.
And, this month, Lunke received a call asking if he would serve as guardian once again. He and his wife, Donna Lunke, agreed it was worth the time and expense. Donna Lunke is also doing her part, volunteering to help get veterans registered at the orientation sessions in Duluth.
And, Donna Lunke excitedly told the News-Herald that a Cook County veteran will be aboard the October 9 Honor Flight. Walter Thompson, who served in World War II in the 313rd Regiment and 79th Infantry Division and earned two Purple Heart medals, will be accompanied by his “guardian,” his wife, Irene.
The Honor Flight program began in 2005. In that first year, 137 World War II veterans were flown to see their memorial. The Honor Flight program has continued to grow and at the end of the 2011, the Honor Flight Network had transported more than 81,000 veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam to see the memorials built to honor them at no charge to the veterans.
To learn more about the Northland Honor Flights,
visit www.honorflightnorthland.org or call (218) 409-6110
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