07/02/2026
An Honor Flight Louisiana Moment...
There were so many unforgettable memories and meaningful moments throughout the Honor Flight that it is difficult to choose just one. Every stop, every conversation, and every veteran carried a story that touched my heart. But as a military mother, one moment stands above all the rest.
As we approached the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C., a group of young people stood along the walkway leading into the memorial. As each veteran passed by, they applauded, cheered, and thanked them for their service. It was a simple act of gratitude, yet the emotion it stirred was overwhelming.
As I entered the memorial, I noticed one veteran standing quietly off to the side. Tears filled his eyes as he looked toward the crowd. When I asked if he was okay, he told me something I will never forget.
"No one has ever done that for me before."
He went on to share that when he returned home from war, he was not welcomed as a hero. Instead, he was met with hostility and was even spat on because of his service.
My heart broke for him.
As the mother of someone who has worn our nation's uniform and fought for our freedoms, I cannot imagine my child coming home after serving his country and being treated with such cruelty by the very people he swore to protect. In that moment, I wrapped my arms around that veteran, told him how deeply sorry I was for what he had endured, and thanked him for his service and sacrifice.
For decades, he had carried the pain of an ungrateful welcome home. Yet on that day, surrounded by fellow veterans, patriots, and a grateful nation, he finally received the recognition he deserved.
That moment reminded me why Honor Flight is so important. It is about more than visiting memorials. It is about healing old wounds, honoring sacrifices, and ensuring that our veterans know their service mattered and will never be forgotten.
It is a moment I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Janet Broussard
Honor Flight Louisiana - Treasurer
