Judge Memorial holds 'Honor Flight' assembly

Friday, Sep. 12, 2014

By Marianne Bartman

SALT LAKE CITY — Judge Memorial Catholic High School students, faculty and staff participated in a special tribute to our nation’s veterans on Aug. 27, a school-wide assembly featuring the Honor Flight Network. As described by the organization, their mission is “our way of paying a small tribute to those who gave so much – a memorable, safe, and rewarding Tour of Honor.” 

Honor Flight Network transports military veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at the memorials built in their honor. Priority is given to the senior veterans – World War II survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill.

The assembly at Judge Memorial featured prayers for our nation’s veterans, soldiers, military and their families, and for peace in our world. Those gathered heard from veterans Vardell Reese and Ron Hill, who shared their thoughts on their own service and the importance of honoring and thanking our nation’s veterans. Members of the school community then viewed a shortened video of a Midwest community joining together to honor World War II veterans one last time as they sent a group off on a recent Honor Flight.

“I thought the video was very meaningful for students my age, and really opened our eyes,” said Miles Eyre, a senior at Judge Memorial. “While we have read about it and studied it, we really have no idea what war is like and what these heroes went through. I’m glad we had the opportunity to hear from the veterans themselves.”

During the days in service, Mail Call was a highlight of the soldiers’ day. So, even today, Mail Call is a focal point of every Honor Flight experience. Following the school-wide Honor Flight assembly, Judge Memorial students, staff and faculty had the opportunity to write letters to veterans. These letters are to be delivered as part of the emotional “Mail Call,” which occurs as the veterans are flying home.

As one of the Utah honor flights representatives told the school, “We love it when the schools participate. The veterans really feel a sweet connection with the youth when they can see and read their emotions of a time long since past. These of the ‘Greatest Generation’ feel that their stories, their history, is being forgotten.”

“Having the opportunity to write a letter to show my appreciation to these veterans was very special for me,” said Rachel Gondrezick, a Judge senior. “Both of my grandfathers served in World War II and had unique experiences that changed their lives. One of my grandfathers is still alive, and this helped me to see more of the reality of what he dealt with. It has been very moving.”

The letters from the Judge Memorial community will be distributed as part of one of three upcoming Utah Honor Flights on the calendar, two in September and one in October. 

As Will Rogers said, “We can’t all be heroes. Some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.” The Honor Flight assembly and the letters were an opportunity for Judge Memorial students to clap.

The Honor Flight Network is run solely on donations. Donations to the Utah Honor Flight program may be made to Utah Honor Flight, PO Box 42, Richfield, UT 84701. 

Marianne Bartman is director of communications for Judge Memorial Catholic High School.