CEDAR RAPIDS — When Solon’s William “Bill” Brown entered the terminal at the Eastern Iowa Airport last Tuesday night at the conclusion of the 57th Honor Flight, he and 87 fellow veterans were greeted by an elbow-to-elbow crowd of hundreds welcoming them home from a full day of touring war memorials in Washington, D.C. In addition to his family, several Solonites played a role in the joyous and patriotic reception.
First, Brown passed a line of American flags on staffs held by veterans and others, organized by Harry Hopp, an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War (1965-1969), 16-year member of the Army National Guard, member of Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460, and the Patriot Guard Riders. Hopp brings about 40 flags to every Honor Flight return and has been doing so since 2012.
“I used to be one of the flag holders but now I’m the guy who brings the flags and recruits people to hold them. I usually don’t have too much trouble getting enough people,” Hopp said. “The last couple of times I got some Boy Scouts volunteering. They love it, they love joining the group and holding the flag.”
Among the holders this time was Gideon Kleinsmith with Solon’s Scout Troop 120.
“I enjoy doing it, I love seeing the veterans, seeing the smiles on their faces, and not just the veterans but their families too,” said Hopp. “We’ve got good music to listen to (Collins Concert Band) and it’s just a good night.”
It’s also a welcome contrast to the veterans’ funerals the Patriot Guard attends, he noted.
“We stand for those who stood for us.”
Allan Hunt, another Solon resident, serves as a photographer for the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight organization and accompanied the veterans on their flight. Also seen among the well-wishers were members of the Knights of Columbus. This reporter apologizes to any who were there but are not mentioned in this account.
Honor flights resume next year with Flight No. 58 departing Cedar Rapids Tuesday, April 21 for the first of four for the year. All veterans are encouraged to apply as part of the organization’s mission to afford all area veterans a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to visit the monuments and memorials that have been erected in their honor. More information and how to apply to be placed on the waiting list can be found at eihonorflight.org.