Honor Flight New England

Kelly O'Connor

Two hundred World War II veterans, pushed in wheelchairs by a companion, were commended by staff, patriotic citizens, and children holding signs when they landed in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on September 28.

The men came from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island  and New York, and were given the opportunity to see their memorial in Washington D.C. for the first time thanks for Honor Flight New England for absolutely no cost.

Waterford High School students in Mr. Arnold’s civics class had the opportunity to speak to one of the veterans, John Bresser, 89, to hear him reflect on his experiences in combat and his extraordinary trip to Washington D.C.

“All the people in the restaurants at the airport stopped what they were doing–eating or drinking, you know,” he recalled, “to come out and applaud us. That’s when I really lost it.”

When Mr. Bresser decided to enlist in the army in 1942, he was a 17-year-old living in Canada with his aunts. One night, he courageously crawled out of his bedroom window, crossed the roof and scaled down a tree, then hitched a ride to the bus station. He would not see his aunts again until the war was over several years later.

During his service, Bresser served as an officer on the Surface Vessel USS Orca from 1943 to 1945. He spent a majority of his time in the war in the Philippines, where he saw General Douglas McArthur at the Leyt Gulf in 1944, and served in the invasion force in that battle. Later in the war, the Orca was hit by a kamikaze, and while many were hurt, thankfully no one died.

Junior Dylan Abate said “I found it the most interesting that he was present during nuclear weapon testing.”

Moreover, he was stationed at Bikini Atoll where 23 nuclear devices were detonated by the United States government. He remembered feeling the tremors of the weapons while working. The proximity posed a health hazard to the comrades, and, as a result, they were tested for radiation.

John Bresser remembers the moment he found out the war was ending when his captain announced over the ship’s intercom, “The war is over. Break out the beer.” After his deployment, he stayed in the Coast Guard for four years, where he met his wife Elizabeth in New London. After this he worked in Pfizer for 50 years, then for The Day. He has been retired for two years.

When asked how he adjusted to society after the war, Mr Bresser said he succeeded, but “some don’t back, they’re not all there.”

Often soldiers do not talk about their experiences during the war, even to their families,  for years, but Honor Flight New England offers a time for reflection, pride, and unity between the veterans. They visited the National World War II Memorial in Memorial Park, and also attended the ceremony for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where “everyone had to be absolutely silent.”

The organization’s mission is to give back to veterans who laid down their lives for America in a patriotic and nostalgic affair. For example, on the bus between stops, the soldiers open letters from students around New England. Waterford High School Civics Students wrote letters to the veterans as well, which detailed their appreciation for their valiant military service.

Overall, The impact of troops’ valor is immeasurable, and Honor Flight New England is a momentous effort that succeeds in honoring and remembering America’s World War II veterans. It was also an informative experience for Waterford’s students to meet Mr. Bresser while learning about citizenship. “Hearing him speak gave me a better understanding of the war than just learning about it in a classroom,” remarked sophomore Isabel Cavalieri.

Additionally, it gave students a greater respect for veterans. “Hearing him speaking definitely made me appreciate veterans more,” said junior Brooke Garvin.

John Bresser and everyone involved in Honor Flight New England are all remarkable role-models of patriotism and kindness, and Waterford High School is honored to be a part of it.