Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
NewsCut
Bob Collins

Walter’s Honor Flight

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Walter Smith
Photo: Family of Walter Smith

Walter Smith, 91, of Racine, Wisconsin almost made it.

The World War II veteran was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago and this week he was on the list of veterans to be honored with an "honor flight," in which World War II vets are flown to the World War II Memorial in Washington and Arlington National Cemetery for the day.

"I really, truly believe the flight kept him hanging on for much longer," his son, Mark Smith, tells the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "He was extremely excited about the whole trip. He definitely was looking forward to going. It was the driving force for him to get better."

He died Saturday morning just as he arrived at the airport for the flight. A flag on his casket at his funeral will be on the next flight in September.

By the way, the next Honor Flight out of the Twin Cities in the fall is full. The local organization is taking reservations for flights next April and next October.