June 24, 2015 --
NEW ORLEANS – Marines from Marine Forces Reserve, along with
countless other service members and local volunteers, made a special trip to
the Louis C. Armstrong International Airport, June 24, 2015, to welcome nearly
50 World War II veterans to the Crescent City.
The veterans
arrived to the airport later than scheduled, as large crowds anxiously gathered
to give the men, also known as the “Greatest Generation,” thunderous applause
and cheers. Academy Award nominated
actor Gary Sinise and assistants from the Gary Sinise Foundation, traveled with
the men, most in their late 80s and 90s, to escort them to the National World
War II Museum as part of a program that honors veterans for their service and
sacrifice.
As stated on the
organization’s website, the mission of the foundation is to “serve our
nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their
families, and those in need. We do this by creating and supporting unique programs
designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.”
For several of
the young Marines who volunteered to welcome the veterans, seeing the men was
likened to witnessing a living, breathing part of military and world history.
“I am honored to
have the opportunity to come out and show my respect for the sacrifices these
gentlemen made for our country,” explained Sgt. Joshua Derrick, training
noncommissioned officer-in-charge for Headquarters Battalion, MarForRes. “It’s important that we continue to
acknowledge everything they have done and to let them know we haven’t forgotten
the sacrifices they made and everything they’ve been through.”
Derrick, who is
also the Marine Corps funeral coordinator in the New Orleans region, witnesses
funeral honors rendered to veterans on a regular basis and understands more
than most how significant the hero’s welcome ceremony was for such a revered
group of men.
“They won’t be
here forever so I think it’s very important that we show our respect to them
while they are here and as much as possible,” he said.
Although Derrick
and his fellow Marines gave the men the most enthusiastic welcome they could
muster, even young children from local junior baseball leagues were overwhelmed
by the presence of the veterans and screamed to the top of their lungs to show
their support.
“U.S.A., U.S.A.!
Thank you for your service!” the kids shouted.
Lance Cpl. Alan
Rodriguez, fiscal clerk for MarForRes, graduated from boot camp just ten months
ago. Today, he stood proud to say that he serves in the same armed forces that
fought in such a turbulent time such as World War II.
“I think it’s a
wonderful that we can be here to honor these veterans. Their presence shows
that although they went through a lot during their time in uniform, they are
strong and have done so much for this country,” said Rodriguez.
The veterans were
appreciative of the show of support and looked forward to their visit to the
museum and tour through the city.