As summer turned to fall I had a true honor to take part in what is called Honor Flight Twin Cities. This organization has been flying Veterans and Guardians to Washington D.C. since 2008. Click here to view their website if you want to learn more. I went as a Guardian for my Dad who is a Korean war Veteran. It was the most amazing, humbling, touching, incredible day I have spent in a long time. Our flight left the Twin Cities at 6:00 am on Monday, October 10 and returned the same evening at 10:30 pm. One of the best things for me was seeing people of all ages walk up to my Dad and say, "Thank you for your service sir" as well as shaking his hand or patting him on the back. I was brought to tears when I would see 85 veterans stand at attention, salute and have taps played. I stood in solemn silence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched as the Sentinel walked his tour. I touched the names of soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Korea and Vietnam on the memorial walls. It was more than I can share in this short space. I think my favorite moments were those watching my Dad and other veterans receive the true honor bestowed on them that they earned and so greatly deserve. If you are a veteran or have a family member who is a veteran I encourage you to sign them up for their Honor Flight, just sayin'... Open Hands Midway is so fortunate to serve the community where we are located. Union Park, Hamline-Midway and surrounding communities have come to rely on the fact that Open Hands Midway is committed to providing free meal and food program services on a weekly basis throughout the year. Thus far in 2022 we have served 9,956 meals!. Open Hands Midway is blessed to be housed inside of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in-the-Midway. This congregation has embraced us, supported us, and partnered with us throughout the years. As a small organization it is wonderful to know that together we have made a difference, we are making a difference and we will make a difference together. I hope each member of this wonderful congregation knows how grateful we are to them, just sayin'... Next month, on Thursday, November 17, 2022 to be exact, Open Hands Midway will once again take part in Give to the Max day. This day is all about supporting your favorite charity with a financial contribution to help them do what they do. Please mark your calendar for November 17 and watch our website, and Facebook page for more information. I stated at the onset of my 'Just sayin'..' article that summer has turned to fall. For me that means an end is near for the outdoor biking season. I cannot resist sharing that since March 20, 2022 I have biked over 3,000 miles! From North Branch to Red Wing, Houlton, WI to Hopkins, MN and all points in between it has been a great ride and I am not done yet. I hope to get in a few more miles before the snow flies, just sayin'...
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