On Oct. 26, I and 101 other World War II veterans were honored and feted in a manner which I had never before experienced, not even upon my return from the war.

I wish to thank all the wonderful folks who worked so hard to provide us with our Triangle Flight of Honor: Johnny Burns and Pat Jackson, of First Bank, Southern Pines, who planned and executed our trip so flawlessly and accompanied us every step of the way to ensure our comfort and safety; Penick Village, which loaned the bus and drivers to take us to Raleigh; the doctor and other medical specialists who were there in case of need; our guardians who propelled our wheelchairs and kept us together; the Triangle Flight of Honor and the N.C. Automobile Dealers Association; and the communities which sponsored this activity.

Thank you to the officers and men of the military whom we visited for their efforts to entertain and inform us; the Washington, D.C., police for providing the escort that led us like visiting potentates to each destination; both Senators Dole, who met us at the WWII monument; the folks at both airports who honored us and passed us through quickly and efficiently; the flight crews of US Airways; and special thanks to Heather Grieze, who submitted my name for consideration to make the flight.

Above all, thanks to the wonderful children and adults who were present everywhere and particularly upon our return to RDU to honor and welcome us home. It was better than 1945.

Thank you to my wonderful wife and daughter for their letters to mail call held on the aircraft. To all the children who also wrote to me, I will reply to those who gave their address. To all others, thank you. I loved your letters.

Roch T. Bell

Whispering Pines