My husband, David A. Epting Jr., died several weeks ago. He was a World War II veteran who was on the first Honor Flight and wanted to give back by volunteering to help at the orientation before each flight.

His fellow volunteers took an S.C. flag to the World War II Memorial in Washington on Sept. 20, said prayers for him, ran the flag atop the memorial, brought it home and presented it to me at the Honor Flight orientation on Oct. 15. This powerful act of compassion and support rendered me speechless.

The Greatest Generation raised a new great generation — people to carry on their traditions of love, honor and sacrifice. To Bill Myers and his group of Honor Flight volunteers, thank you from the bottom of my heart, and thank you for the minutia that must be navigated by these volunteers to make the flights the success they are.

Julie Epting

Columbia