The Honor Flight Network hosted dozens of Black veterans from the Atlanta area with “an unparalleled journey of remembrance and gratitude” to the nation’s capital.
The group received an all-expenses-paid trip to visit war memorials as part of an inaugural Juneteenth event. John McCaskill, Honor Flight Network board member and Civil War and American historian and military educator, says “the flight was a tangible, meaningful show of gratitude for their remarkable service to our nation.”
“Since the first shots were fired at Lexington Green, African Americans have been defending this country. It wasn’t until the Civil War that they could do it on a legal basis,” McCaskill told Military Families Magazine.
McCaskill was asked by leaders of the Honor Flight Network to join its diversity committee. The organization, which has provided a similar flight experience to nearly 300,000 veterans since 2005, wanted to focus on underserved communities while actively communicating the need to honor Black veterans – many who McCaskill says don’t discuss their experiences.
“It’s harder for Black folks because they’re still dealing with what Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. called the ‘incommunicable experience of war,’ and also had to deal with racism when they were home,” McCaskill said. “Many would prefer to just put it behind them and not be celebrated.”
Still, he impresses upon Black veterans the importance of seeing themselves reflected and celebrated in history for future generations.
Among the group were a 101-year-old veteran, three Purple Heart recipients, one of whom is also a Bronze Star recipient, and four women veterans, according to a press release.
Marian D. Elder, also known as “Captain Dee,” is a veteran participant of this inaugural Juneteenth event. She says she feels gratitude for being selected.
“It’s an important thing that people are recognizing [Black] veterans … especially on Juneteenth. We’re celebrating our freedom – a day of emancipation,” she said.
President Truman’s 1948 Executive Order 9981 for military desegregation and equal treatment came just 25 years before her enlistment. But like many others, Captain Dee dealt with the residue of racism.
She recalls being subjected to prejudices as a Black female service member in the 1970s and credits her endurance to the immense support from veterans who had been in her shoes. With their encouragement, she persisted in serving as a medic across the Navy, Air Force and Army for 22 years, followed by 20 years in the inactive reserves. She added that she also took advantage of every opportunity the military afforded to further her education.
“I have no regrets,” she said.
To kick off the celebration, the Honor Flight Network team hosted a dinner for the veterans to recognize their profound sacrifices and highlight the reasons behind honoring them. They flew to the nation’s capital the following day to visit national memorials and see commemoration services. The event concluded with the veterans being surprised by a military mail call with letters of gratitude written by their loved ones, then arrived to hundreds of people cheering them on — a gesture that has often left veterans speechless.
“Many of them will get the welcome they never got 51 years ago and whenever they came back from Vietnam,” McCaskill said. “They’re going to know this country loves them, and we appreciate the work they’ve done.”
Visit the Honor Flight Network to learn more about the organization, including volunteer opportunities.
