Sinsinawa
Spectrum
A Congregation News Magazine
Sr. Mary Pat Grateful for Honor Flight Experience
by Mary Pat Marcos, OP
Sr. Mary Pat Marcos was among the many veterans who visited Washington, DC, in the Honor Flight of Greater Dubuque experience. Here the group stands by the Iwa Jima Monument.
Mary Pat Marcos, OP, was chosen to participate in the Honor Flight of Greater Dubuque to Washington, DC, on May 18, 2010. She served in the United States Air Force from 1943 to 1946 and rose to the rank of sergeant. The following are excerpts from a chat she gave at Sinsinawa Mound after the flight.
The Honor Flight program is privately sponsored to honor World War II veterans. The trip to Washington, DC, was designed to bring veterans to view the monument erected in their honor in 2004. Through the great generosity of local businesses, sponsors, and private donors, we shared in a [daylong] program of historical events. . . .
On Tuesday morn, May 18, I arose about 2:52 a.m. and, as I left my room, Sister Sarah Kaminski [OP] was there to see if I was “up and about.” Around 4 a.m., Sister Louis [Russley, OP] and I departed the Mound for the Army Reserve Center near the Dubuque Airport where I checked in. Each veteran was photographed and given a backpack in which to place our sparse belongings. . . . We were bussed to the airport and off we went to Dulles Field, Washington, DC. . . . Many gathered to welcome us with waving flags, hugs, and mile-wide smiles, saying, “Thanks for your service,” with a handshake. . . .
We drove directly to the World War II Monument located on 17th Street between Constitution and Independence Avenues, flanked by the Washington Monument to the east and the Lincoln Monument to the west. The World War II Monument was dedicated in 2004 and honors the 16 million women and men who served in the Armed Forces, the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort stateside. It symbolizes the spirit, the sacrifices, and the commitment of the American people. . . . The memorial is constructed of mostly bronze and granite and took three years to complete. The project cost $195 million in construction and maintenance, most of which came from private contributions. It is an emotional, reflective experience to walk among its columns―a place of solemn, prayerful, and grateful remembrances. My special stop was at the Wisconsin column. It was then that a visitor said to me, “Did someone give you that red [Honor Flight] jacket, or are you a veteran?” . . . It was a surprise to be welcomed by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa.
We went on our way to the Vietnam Memorial. . . . This memorial receives 3 million visitors a year. The Korean Monument is particularly memorable for its unique design and setting―a natural field through which figures larger than life tread through tall grasses. Their faces portray the stress of the dangers and the tension of impending combat; their wearied postures burdened by the weight of backpacks, ammunition, and weapons of war. . . . No words are needed; only in the hearts and tears of those who stop, ponder, and reflect are they heard. Among the monuments, of particular significance is the graceful, three-pronged structure reaching high into the skies. . . . This Air Force Monument is significant to me because it represents that branch of service in which I served. . . .
We boarded busses for Dulles, passed airline security, and settled in to return to Dubuque. The plane had lights out and was quiet. For a short while, the lights came on briefly so we could enjoy a sandwich and drink. Then we sank back for a nap and SWOOSH, on went the lights again and we hear “MAIL CALL!” What a surprise! This was the long-awaited service announcement for which we waited daily! Each received a large manila envelope filled with letters written by school children of the tri-state area . . . simple, thankful messages of praise from these youngsters . . . sincere and honest greetings that caused no few tears among us. Other letters came from family and friends who expressed pride and gratitude. One envelope was filled with delightful notes from my crowd of 1962 . . . What a delicious surprise! . . .
We touched down in Dubuque at 10:25 p.m., deplaned, and boarded busses back to the Army Reserve Center. At the center, we were welcomed home and greeted by some 200 people who gathered and a band. . . . It was a gladsome night. What could happen, did happen, for which I am forever grateful.