The greatest responsibility I have as editor is to tell stories that do justice for the people who experienced them – and so bravely share with others. That responsibility has never felt greater.
This month, North Dakota Living presents its first cover-to-cover tribute to veterans.
Earlier this year, a friend and mentor, Rob Keller, suggested North Dakota Living be considered as a media partner on the Western ND Honor Flight. Getting his endorsement alone was an honor.
Rob is a veteran and worked with many Gold Star families at their most vulnerable, intimate and devastating moments as a public information officer with the N.D. National Guard. He is a tireless advocate for military families.
When I learned the Western ND Honor Flight board selected us as a media partner, I couldn’t wait to share the news with the team.
I had the opportunity to go on an Honor Flight in 2018 as a media representative with KFGO Radio. It was the highlight of my time at the station, and I was grateful to my boss for getting me on that flight. Now, I had the chance to be that boss.
Along with myself, two of our photographers, Kennedy DeLap and John Kary, went on Honor Flight trips in September.
Kennedy is in her 20s, just starting her career. I knew the Honor Flight would leave an indelible mark on her young heart forever. It is important for the younger generation to learn about the sacrifices veterans have made, and what better way than to see it in their eyes, hear it in their voices and feel it by their side through this experience.
John’s dad is a Vietnam War veteran. I hoped seeing Washington, D.C., through the eyes of veterans would draw John even closer to his dad.
As for me, this would be my first Honor Flight where I would be telling the story. I hope I don’t screw this up!
I love how different the flight to D.C. is from the return flight to North Dakota. On the outbound flight, most of these veterans are strangers who are maybe nervous, with a wave of emotions or memories. But on the inbound flight, it is loud, with laughter and comfortable conversations. It wouldn’t take long for that plane to empty a case of beer.
In this issue, you will meet two Vietnam War veterans I have grown quite fond of and consider my new friends. But I have far more stories, from far more veterans, than the ones shared here. Stories that made me sob, stories that made me mad, stories that challenged me. Most of all, stories that made me want to hold the young boys inside of these grown men and tell them how loved they are and how sorry I am for any bad that happened to them.
To all who have served or are serving, thank you. You’ve done a hell of a lot more than me.
To the veterans I met, thank you. I’ll carry your stories with me forever.
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Cally Peterson is editor of North Dakota Living. She can be reached at cpeterson@ndarec.com.
