A Reporter’s Reflection on the Oklahoma Freedom Flight: A Journey of Honor, Healing, and Brotherhood
PRYOR, Oklahoma ~ This past weekend, I had the distinct honor of traveling with a group of veterans on the Oklahoma Freedom Flight to Washington, D.C. As both a reporter and a veteran, it was an experience that transcended the typical sightseeing tour, revealing profound moments of healing, camaraderie, and reflection. It wasn't just about the memorials we visited; it was about the stories shared, the unspoken bonds between those who served, and the deep respect shown for those who never came home.
The first stop on our journey was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where the sight of younger veterans helping their Vietnam brothers find the names of fallen comrades was nothing short of moving. The weight of the wall, both physically and emotionally, was palpable. Veterans carefully traced the names etched into the stone, remembering those they served with, those who never got the chance to return home. Watching this moment, it was clear that the connection between those who have served, regardless of generation, is unbreakable.
We then visited the World War II Memorial, and although no World War II veterans were on this trip, the respect shown to their memory was breathtaking. This monument stands as a tribute to a generation whose sacrifice shaped the world we live in today, and even in their absence, the impact of their service resonated deeply with the veterans on our trip.
Next, we ventured to the Korean War Memorial. While beautiful during the day, several veterans expressed a desire to see it at night, and we made sure to return after sunset. They were right – it was as if the memorial had been designed to be viewed in darkness. The haunting figures of soldiers, illuminated in the night, seemed to march through time, forever on guard. It was a sight none of us will ever forget.
One of the most emotional stops was at Arlington National Cemetery, where we laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Walking among the rows of white headstones, many veterans quietly visited the markers of loved ones, reflecting on the true cost of freedom. The sight of those endless rows of graves—each one representing a life given for our country—takes your breath away in a way that no words can fully capture.
But the moment that struck me the hardest came when we read letters from local schoolchildren, who had written to the veterans on our trip. One letter in particular stood out: "I'm glad you made it home." After spending the day at Arlington, those six simple words weighed heavily on all of us. For some, they were a reminder of friends who didn't return. For others, they were a quiet acknowledgment of the luck and fate that brought them back.
The Air and Space Museum offered a lighter moment, as I overheard two Navy veterans reminiscing about the aircraft they had worked on, swapping stories about the makeshift tools they had created during their service. It was a brief but joyful escape into shared memories and military ingenuity, a reminder that for many veterans, service comes with its own set of fond, if not funny, moments.
On Sunday, our group gathered at Ft. McHenry to hoist the flag, a symbolic moment that seemed to encapsulate everything this trip had been about. Raising the flag over the site where our national anthem was born, we were reminded not only of the pride and honor of serving our country but also of the importance of unity and resilience.
This trip was more than just a tour of memorials. It was a journey that helped many veterans confront the scars of war and the challenges that come with a life of service. The Oklahoma Freedom Flight staff went above and beyond in taking care of the veterans, handling every challenge—from traffic delays to closed exhibits at museums—with grace and determination. They made sure that the veterans were always the top priority.
As a veteran myself, I witnessed something truly special on this trip. Many veterans, including myself, were unsure how to repay such a meaningful experience. The answer, I realized, lies in supporting the Oklahoma Freedom Flight and the incredible work they do. Whether it's by participating in their fundraisers, buying mums or pies, or simply spreading the word at local veteran organizations like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV, there are countless ways to give back.
This trip was truly the experience of a lifetime, not just for the veterans but for all of us who had the privilege to witness it. It was a reminder that the true cost of freedom is not measured in dollars or medals, but in the lives given, the sacrifices made, and the bonds formed in the face of it all.
For those who served, and for those who continue to serve—thank you. And for those who are lucky enough to have made it home, let's never stop finding ways to honor the memories of those who didn't.
— A Grateful Veteran and Reporter
