Honor Flight Reflects Values Then and Now for Vets

The first time Marvin Gettleman and Joe Schwartz went to a military induction center, they were signing up to serve in World War II.

When they returned to an “induction center” Sept. 12 it was to be honored for what they did nearly 70 years ago.

Schwartz of Lake Bluff and Gettleman, a longtime Highland Park resident who now lives in Lincolnshire, were among 91 Second World War veterans flown to Washington for the day Sept. 12 as a thank you for what they did years ago.

When Gettleman and Schwartz got to Midway Airport at 4:30 a.m. Sept. 12 to begin their journey there was a sign which read “induction center.” This time they were met by escorts who would accompany them on their flight to see the World War II Memorial and other spots in Washington. They were not completely prepared for what happened.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Gettleman said of his descent from the plane on arrival. “People were three deep. I don’t know how many hands I shook.” He was one of the few who chose to walk off the flight rather than use a wheel chair. “My hand hurt from shaking,” he added when asked how he felt after the walk.

A national organization, Honor Flight brings veterans to Washington to reflect at the appropriate memorials. “They took us to see all the memorials, Schwartz said. “They showed us
the World War II Memorial and the Korean War.” Schwartz served in both the conflicts.

It was the Vietnam Memorial, with the names of all the war dead inscribed, which touched them deeply. “Fifty-seven thousand American lives were lost,” Gettleman said. “For what?”

“I agree,” added Schwartz.

Another touching moment was their trip to the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum where they saw the Enola Gay. That plane dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan. That event has been discussed many times by many people but for Gettleman and Schwartz in 1945 the meaning was simple.

“It was the beginning of the end,” Schwartz said. “I knew I was going home.” They both realized that, but it was not quite that simple. Not every member of the Japanese military knew what they did.

“We were surrounded by 20,000 Japanese troops who didn’t know the war was over yet,” Gettleman said. “At night they would sneak into our camp and steal food because they were starving.”

A highlight of the end of any mission they undertook during World War II was mail call, when they received messages from home. This trip was no exception. Organizers arranged a surprise asking friends, family and some strangers to send letters.

When the veterans got off the plane in Chicago, they were given a bag with mail as they did nearly 70 years ago. “There were 20 to 25 letters for every vet on the plane,” Gettleman said.

There was another surprise. “I had an admiral and a general salute me and say ‘thank you very much’ for my service,” Schwartz said.

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