BUCYRUS–Veterans Day is taking on a new meaning this year for three Crawford County veterans.
Men who faithfully served in our country’s military years ago. Veterans who on Thursday were recognized for their service during a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., as part of the Honor Flight Columbus network.
For Richard Rowlinson, Roger Rowlinson, and John Walker, it was an honor.
“It was just remarkable,” said Richard, a Galion resident who joined his brother and brother-in-law on the flight and visit to war memorials in our nation’s capital. “We saw Arlington, my highlight, and we saw the changing of the guards.”
“It was nice, real nice,” said Roger, a U.S. Army veteran who was drafted in 1967 and served on cargo ships in Thailand for two years. “It was a beautiful day and when we got off the bus, school kids even came over and thanked us for our service.”
The three left at 5:00 a.m. Thursday for John Glenn International Airport. A journey that took them and about 180 other vets by bus to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other war memorials, all organized by the non-profit organization.
Richard and the others qualified for the trip as veterans serving prior to May 7, 1975. He was also in the Army, leaving home in August 1966 to become a carrier operator (communications) in Korea. Richard moved up the ranks quickly and was promoted to sergeant in 1967.
John, a Bucyrus resident, was 18 when he joined the Army that same year. He was stationed at military bases in South Carolina and Texas before being shipped to Germany and then Vietnam, where he worked as a medic in a field hospital. He was discharged in 1969.
Sunny skies prevailed for the trio in Washington, where they had the opportunity to talk to other vets, tourists, teachers, and students. They were waved to and welcomed with colorful signs, handshakes, and even a few fist bumps from the crowd.
But the men say nothing was more memorable than the welcome they received back in Columbus Thursday night.
A homecoming at the airport packed with hundreds of well-wishers, all on hand to celebrate their return – and thank them for their service.
“It was unbelievable.
It was quite an event. I didn’t expect anything like that,” said Richard, who was picked up by his daughter, Kate Perkins of Galion. “What stood out to me the most was the number of young people that participated and shook our hands.”
His younger brother was also moved by the American flags and show of support. “Everybody welcomed me home,” said Roger. “Both my boys were there and their families and stuff. I’ve seen it, but to see it and be there and all that it was a different thing.”
John agreed. “Last night was a real reward for me and Richard and Roger. You can’t imagine what kind of a greeting,” he said Friday morning. “And then I looked up and there was my whole family so, needless to say, that was a mark in my life.”
And one for the memory books. Especially on Veterans Day.
