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Veterans John Garrard, Joel Day, Harry Reid Take Honor Flight With Alabama Governor
September 23, 2010
Two Atmore residents, John Garrard and Joel Day, and a Flomaton resident, Harry Reed — took a day long trip to Washington Wednesday on the South Alabama Honor Flight.
The Honor Flight gives World War II veterans the opportunity to tour the World War II Memorial and other monuments in the nation’s capital. Garrard and Day were among 88 veterans on Wednesday’s flight.
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley served Day’s guardian — his constant companion — for the trip.
“The American dream would not be possible if not for the courageous efforts of the men and women of our Armed Forces. In this, the most devastating war the world has ever known, American service members during World War II overcame insurmountable challenges in a fight that covered the expanse of the globe,” Gov. Riley said.
“From the beaches of Normandy to the sands of Iwo Jima, Americans fought, won, and made a safer world for our children and our grandchildren. We must never forget that freedom has a very high price – a price that has been paid by our nation’s veterans and their families. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude,” Alabama’s governor continued.
Hundreds of people gave the returning veterans a hero’s welcome at the Mobile Regional Airport Wednesday night.
Among those greeting Day and his governor guardian at the airport was Ava Gurganus, the daughter of Kelly Gurganus, a teacher at Northview High School. Her grandfather, Sammy Day, is athletic director at Northview.
Ava proudly held a sign high in the air as the veterans departed the Honor Flight. “We (heart) PawPaw” — the sign said.
Pictured above: John Garrard (left) and Joel Day return from the South Alabama Honor Flight Wednesday night at the Mobile Regional Airport. Pictured inset: Ava Gurganus welcomes Day back as Northview High Athletic Director Sammy Day (bottom left corner) watches. Pictured below: Atmore veteran Joel Day, his Honor Flight guardian Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and his wife Louse. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
6 Responses to “Veterans John Garrard, Joel Day, Harry Reid Take Honor Flight With Alabama Governor”
Great story Mr. Reynolds. Would like to give a special congratulations to all who assisted in another successful honor flight…I would also like to render a SALUTE in respect to those men and women of this wonderful era….God Bless….ARMY STRONG!!!
That is awesome!!!!
Thanks to these men and all the other men and women out there who have helped make this country free and kept us safe! Thanks for all you have done for everyone!
it is such an honor to show these vets that we still care abiut what they did to give us our freedom. love it!!!
Great Job William! Anyone who knows of a WWII Veteran that has not had the opportunity to go, or someone who is interested in going as a guardian, the forms are at the following website.
http://www.honorflightsa.com
I had the honor of going as a guardian last September with three gentlemen from Baldwin and Mobile Counties.
Mr Harry Reed from Flomaton was on the South Alabama Honor Flight as well. Someone should interview him, he has great stories to tell.