By: Brenna Clayton
Special to the NKyTribune
One of 70 veterans honored on an Honor Flight departing from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Marie Parsons wasn’t looking for recognition when she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the ripe age of 19.
Marie Parsons US Marine Corps WWII Vet, as she looked during her time on active duty (provided photos).
After her grandmother, whom she had been living with passed away, it was an easy decision for her to sign up for military life. Her brothers were already serving in the US Army Air Corps and numerous family members before her had served in the United States military including her dad who served in WWI and great grandfather who fought in the Civil War.
“Everybody was involved. There was a neighborly bond and sense of community among those who had grown up during the Great Depression and when WWII happened it tied us all together,” explains Marie, now 94. “It was a different time then, with information traveling at the speed of radio, newspaper, and word from your neighbor.”
She was called into service early by the United States Marine Corps in 1943 and spent over two years as a quartermaster at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where she verified data of troops deploying overseas.
Marie notes, “There was no time to think, only to act, to help in whatever way you could. We accepted what was important and did what was necessary. I think we’ve lost some of that sense of service in this day and age.”
With 131 hubs across the nation, the Honor Flight Network has sent 180,000+ veterans to visit memorials in Washington, D.C. since its founding in 2005. As a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring veterans, the Honor Flight Network relies on donations and throngs of volunteers to make each flight a memorable experience for the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans.
Marie was escorted by her son, retired Navy Veteran and Allstate Insurance Agent Bob Parsons. Bob remarked that the Honor Flight was “a seamless experience, well orchestrated, and that every person involved was gracious and generous with their time.”
Marie Parsons is greeted at CVG upon returning from Honor Flight
The day started early and they were honored by many from start to finish. With volunteers greeting and guiding them through security where TSA agents saluted them, to a flag ceremony at the gate before takeoff complete with local military and law enforcement groups, to crowds cheering them on as they disembarked in Washington, D.C., no detail was left unattended.
A police escort elevated the honorees’ status and allowed them to easily make stops at 6 to 8 memorials, including time to observe the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Marie found her time at the women’s memorial particularly moving, to see those who stood in the background for so long now recognized for their service. After a full day of reflection and memories shared, Marie and the others were met by bagpipes and hundreds of people from around the tri-state, with signs, cheers, handshakes, high-fives, and words of thanks.
“The outpouring of gratitude and respect was overwhelming; I was so appreciative and felt that the experience was a tremendous honor,” Marie said. “It all points back to a life of service, these people taking the time to serve others.”
Yet another poignant detail came in the “Mail Call” where each veteran was given a collection of letters and cards written by friends and strangers alike that addressed and specifically thanked them for their service.
Denny Hoeben, a Vietnam USMC veteran, was one of the many who greeted Marie.
While this was his first time greeting an Honor Flight, it wasn’t his first encounter with the program. As a former Delta Air Lines supervisor, Denny worked several Honor Flights, loading wheelchairs onto the aircraft and assisting the passengers down the jet-way.
One early morning he called the Delta control tower and asked if the fire department could assemble for a water salute as that day’s Honor Flight departed. To his knowledge, every Honor Flight leaving from CVG since then has received this tribute.
Marie Parsons with fellow Marine Denny Hoeben, at CVG
“When an airline pilot retires, they’re often given that special treatment. I thought, ‘Why wouldn’t we do the same for these people who have done so much for our country?’ My dad served 4 ½ years around World War II, and as a Marine myself, I was taught about how difficult it was to be a Marine in WWII and Korea,” Denny said. “I have the utmost respect for those men and women, and I can tell you that many veterans returning home from Vietnam didn’t get a hero’s welcome or celebration. That’s why I thank every veteran I encounter, especially now when they’re all volunteers, not drafted. It only takes a moment, but it might mean a lot to that person.”
Marie shares that mentality of expressing gratitude and showing kindness in small actions.
“I think it’s so important to recognize the people around you, to apply the golden rule to your neighbors and broader community. Lately I see a lack of desire or willingness to serve others, but it’s really a small token to think beyond yourself. We must get back to that sense of serving,” she said. “Get outside of your own head; think of the whole. Everyone will have ups and downs in their life, but you can’t dwell on the negative. We were put on this earth to serve each other, and it has been my honor to serve my family, community, and country.”
This Memorial Day, take a moment to thank a veteran, and visit https://www.honorflighttristate.org/ to learn more about the local chapter of the Honor Flight Network.
Contact the Northern Kentucky Tribune at news@nkytrib.com
