The four local veterans who left on an Honor Flight earlier this week made their grand return home Thursday, to thunderous applause and a police escort into Hopkinsville.
Jim Etheridge of Cadiz, Elwood Richardson of Hopkinsville, Chester Goings Jr. and Henry Breithaupt of Hopkinsville returned home after a long trip in Washington D.C. visiting numerous memorial sites and meeting thousands of grateful people.
Etheridge, who served in World War II and Korea, says he remembers meeting a small boy who thanked him for saving his life with his service—and says that will stick with him for the rest of his life.
Ninety-four year old Richardson says what struck him the hardest was getting to go to the World War II memorial and seeing names he knew of those who fought who never got to come home.
All four men said the trip was the experience of a lifetime, including the welcome home ceremonies in Louisville, Owensboro and back home in Hopkinsville, and they encourage any veteran who can to go.
Hopkinsville Mayor Carter Hendricks and County Judge Executive Steve Tribble read proclamations thanking each man for their honor and sacrifice in service of this country, and declared today a celebration of each man.
