Local veterans were honored with a visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Honor Air is a non-profit organization in Lafayette. It is dedicated to assuring that every WWII Veteran who is able will get to see the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"I was one of the fortunate ones to make the trip," Tom Randazzo said. "Howard Winston (my ‘Goomba’) took care of all the details. A few months after we sent our application to Honor Air, we received verification we would go on April 26. I had doubts I would be accepted due to health problems."

Due to health issues, Randazzo didn’t think he could make the trip at first.

"In March, at a meeting in Lafayette, I explained to Mr. T.D. Smith who was supervising the trip that I had only one lung functioning, that I could not exert myself, could not walk too long," he said. "I also told him I could possibly require oxygen. Mr. Smith assured me there would be oxygen, oxygen masks and wheelchairs available at all times. In addition, a trained medic and two nurses would be with us at all times"

Randazzo said he hopes to encourage WWII veterans with health problems not to let it stop them from going.

"I can assure you, you will be well cared for," he said. "I cannot list every detail of the trip, that would take too long. If you would want additional information, call Howard 828-0794, myself 828-0553 or Gerald Braud 836-5809."

Winston and Braud also made the trip and were each assigned a "guardian" or "escort." That person would be there at all times to help as needed.

"We arrived at the Lafayette Airport at approximately five a.m. on April 26," Randazzo said. "There were 98 vets plus escorts. Mr. Smith divided us into three groups, red, white and blue. Everyone was given a cap the color of their group. They gave us breakfast. After eating we boarded the plane. We had lunch on the plane. In 2½ hours we landed at Reagan International Airport in D.C. We were greeted there with a ‘water cannon’ salute and a good size crowd of people clapping hands and waving small American flags. We boarded three buses and headed for the Memorial."

Randazzo and Braud got a surprise before leaving the bus. "Before we got off the bus, Mr. Smith announced that I and Gerald Braud had been selected to take part in laying the wreath on the grave of the Unknown Soldier," he said. "Larry Burgess and George Beaugh were also selected. I felt it was a terrific honor. Later, I asked Mr. Smith how and why we four were selected. No specific reason, he replied.

"At the entrance to the Memorial we were greeted by former Senator Bob Dole. We had our picture taken with him. Charlie Melancon was also there but we didn’t see him. The four of us then made our way to the Louisiana Memorial. There was an 8x10 photo of a soldier on the wall. It was the picture of my Army buddy, Hubert McManus, from Eunice. It was then I felt ‘choked up.’ We had been together from the very beginning until he was captured a day or two after the Bulge battle began."

From there the visitors went to the building near the Unknown Soldier’s grave. After watching the Changing of the Guard the sergeant came up to instruct the four of them.

"Gerald and I were placed in front side by side about three feet apart," Randazzo said. "Larry was in back of me and George in back of Gerald. At his command we marched to about 20 feet from the grave. He was given the wreath. I placed my left hand on the wreath and Gerald, his right hand. At the sergeant’s command we walked to the grave and placed the wreath. At his command, we removed our hands and took a step back. He then issued the command to about face and marched us back. We shook hands, he thanked us, saluted and walked back to his post."

Randazz said the experience was a great honor for all of them. They were able to see the Korean, Vietnam and other memorials. "From there we went back to the airport. We boarded the plane and arrived back in Lafayette around 9 p.m. Again, we were greeted with a water cannon salute. There were throngs of people waiting for us, waving, shouting, shaking hands and hugging. Also a band was playing patriotic songs. I’ve never seen such a happy and joyous crowd. You would think there was someone there giving coupons for free gasoline. I saw and spoke with good friends I hadn’t seen in years, like Chelly Mendoza and Junius Hebert from Baldwin."

On behalf of himself, Winston and Braud, Randazzo thanked Honor Air and its staff and especially Mr. T.D. Smith.

"Also our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to James Ruskoski who stayed with the three of us every minute, helping when needed and taking video pictures of the affair," Randazzo added.

He said Honor Air will send each veteran on the trip a video of everything that took place.

"I urge every WWII veteran to take the trip," he said. "It does not cost you anything and you will be well cared for. It will be a day in your life you will never forget."