Emerald Coast's 'Greatest Generation' is welcomed home

  • Published
  • By Maj. Gregory B. Harland
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Northwest Florida Regional Airport was the scene of the Emerald Coast's welcome home celebration for 100 World War II veterans May 5, as they returned from their Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

More than 800 military and community well wishers, along with Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp of Florida, lined the airport terminal waiting to greet the veterans as they deplaned.

"The sacrifice of these veterans is being honored by the heart of this community," said Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp. "It's so important these Americans patriots be honored for their service to our country."

The lieutenant governor and Maj. Gen. C.R. Davis, Air Armament Center commander, greeted veterans as they made their way off the plane.

"This overwhelming public support is a testament to the great community we live, work and play in," said General Davis.

Under the melodic sounds of patriotic marches and enthusiastic cheers of appreciation, veterans made their way down the terminal under the silver shimmer of Eglin's Saber Team and Hurlburt's Color Guard.

The veterans returned from a day-long trip to the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. For some, this was the first time they visited the nation's capital.

"It's amazing to see the faces of vets when they see the memorial for the first time," said General Davis.

Pennsylvania natives Major (Ret.) Carl and Helen LaMonica were two of the honored veterans who participated in Wednesday's trip. Major LaMonica served in the United States Army Air Forces, the precursor to today's Air Force, as a B-24 radio operator with the 8th Air Force stationed in England. Holding back tears of joyful emotion, Major La Monica was overwhelmed with the outpouring of public recognition for his service to his country.

"I have never seen anything like this before in my life," he said.

Navy Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class Helen LaMonica served her country as a member of Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) stationed at San Diego Naval Hospital.

"This day was amazing and the greeting we received from the people of our community is overwhelming," she said.

The National World War II Memorial pays honor to the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the United States, the more than 400,000 who died in defense of her freedom, and all who supported the war effort from home.

The memorial opened to the public on April 29, 2004, and is located on the Washington Mall. It's flanked by the Washington Monument to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. It is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice and commitment of the American people.