For Sturgeon Bay resident and veteran Ken Pollack, the Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. was like an early present for his 72nd birthday this Saturday.  Pollock was one of 115 Vietnam War veterans from Northeastern Wisconsin who was on the “Mission 51” Honor Flight last Friday.  Serving in the military from 1966-69, Pollock served as a tank commander for the First Marine Division in Vietnam.  After an overwhelming welcome at the Washington D.C. airport on Friday, Pollack says the tour began with an emotional visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. 

Pollack says one of the most memorable parts of the trip was a ribbon-cutting for a dedication of a flag from the D-Day Invasion that was brought back by a World War II veteran.   The veteran, who was present, stood from his wheelchair saluting the flag before donating it to the Smithsonian Institute.  After a surprised “mail call” on the flight coming home, the 18-hour day concluded with a return to the EEA grounds in Oshkosh in front of thousands of cheering people.  Pollock says the incredible outpouring of support during the Old Glory Honor Flight experience made up for the less than friendly reception many veterans received after returning from the Vietnam War.