For those unacquainted, the Honor Flight Network is a
national nonprofit committed to honoring American Veterans by providing them
with cost-free trips to Washington DC to visit their memorials. In the quest
for meaningful gifts, the organization's choice of the 5" Beanpal Eagle
proved to be a heartfelt decision, seamlessly aligning with the presence of
Liberty and Freedom, their beloved mascots.

During the fall Honor Flight expedition, an unexpected turn
of events unfolded on the second day when one of the buses faced a reluctance
to start. Despite this hiccup, the initial group of Veterans and Guardians
proceeded to witness a private viewing of the Changing of the Guard and the
laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. However, the second
group, missing the Changing of the Guard, received an unforeseen surprise on
the return journey – each person on the second bus was presented with a 5"
Beanpal Eagle. The ensuing joy within the bus was ineffable; for a brief five
minutes, Veterans and their Guardians embraced the childlike joy, raising their
eaglets high, showering them with kisses, and finding special places for them.
The impact of these seemingly simple stuffed toys transcended the trip, with
one Veteran naming his eagle "Vanessa" after his late granddaughter,
sensing her presence throughout the journey. As preparations for the upcoming
reunion unfold, more eaglets are on order, promising to bring smiles to every
Veteran's face.