What began as a single mission to honor WWII veterans by bringing them to see their memorial in 2005 has now honored more than 300,000 veterans in over 129 hubs nationwide. Central Valley Honor Flight lifted off Sept. 16-18 for the 29th flight with 67 Korean and Vietnam war veterans on board. Their journey took them on a private capital tour along with visiting the memorials that both honor their military branches and their service. Participation in the Honor Flight allows each veteran alongside their guardian, to remember the fallen, share their stories and for many, the first time they feel valued and honored for their service. This series highlights many of the unforgettable stories from Central Valley Honor Flight 29 as Fresno Christian Schools aims to raise awareness and funds for this organization during our 39th Annual Homecoming.

Jim Palmer is a prestigious veteran who served in the Army for two years during the 1960’s. Palmer spent his two years at Fort Myer, VA protecting the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also spent nine months of his service as a sentry at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Palmer guarded the tomb outside through an arid summer, but never broke composure. 

Guarding the Tomb is a duty in which a soldier stands watch over it for exactly one hour before changing sentries. The changing of the guard is a very elaborate ceremony which is done from Oct. 1 through March 31. The sentries would take shifts standing watch over the Tomb for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Gallery • 10 Photos

Kori James

Jim Palmer as he salutes the current guard 63 years after he kept watch over The Tomb.

Palmer also served with his brother, Jerry Palmer, who crossed paths one time during active service. Jim Palmer attended Central Valley Honor Flight 29 with his brother and was cared for by his guardian, Ken Perry. He got to revisit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where he previously served. Perry witnessed how excited the Palmer brothers were about the flight and how their enthusiasm took over.

“They were just taking off,” Perry said. “They were so full of energy and full of life.”

Perry accompanied Palmer as they toured through many restricted locations. They both got once in a lifetime opportunity to see the House Chamber, the elaborate changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and their quarters. 

Palmer was able to see the bunker where he stayed when he served in the 60’s. The military personnel toured him around his old living quarters, showing him what had changed and what had remained from his time in active duty. While the interior of the quarters and procedures had changed from his service, Palmer recognized many details that remained the same through decades of development.

All prior to this, Palmer thought he would never be able to go on the Honor Flight, thinking that his time in service was insignificant compared to veterans who had firsthand experiences in combat. Central Valley Honor Flight was able to show Palmer that every veteran’s service is important, no matter where they served or how long. Palmer was able to see the support from people outside of Honor Flight when they did Mail Call on their trip. 

Mail Call is an event done on the plane during every Honor Flight where the veterans receive mail from everyday citizens, thanking them for their service and all they have done. Palmer received his own mail from the people of America, thanking him for his patriotism and bravery within the military. All veterans attending the Honor Flight received their own mail from hundreds of people, no matter how long ago their service was.

“It was from these students,” Palmer said. “Thanking us for our service and honoring us.”

The veterans would not have been able to see their own memorial without the Honor Flight. Getting to see their impact while sacrificing for our country’s freedom.

To read more about the honor flight organization visit their Home page.

To donate to honor flight visit CV Honor Flight.

To read more from The Feather visit: Central Valley’s 29th Honor Flight or HONOR FLIGHT: Veteran Masami “John” Shiba

Join us for Fresno Christian’s 39th Annual Homecoming, Oct. 11, 6 p.m.