10/19/2026
As Veterans Day approaches, we’re reflecting on the many ways we can honor those who served.
Last month, our own Alex Szwarc had the privilege of serving as a guardian on Mid-Michigan Honor Flight’s Mission 27, accompanying 84-year-old Army veteran Gerald Cieszlak on a journey to Washington, D.C. and Virginia.
For Alex, who brings a genuine passion for veterans and their stories to his work at The War Memorial, the experience was especially meaningful.
Alongside 80 veterans, Alex visited the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice and witnessed an emotional welcome home from hundreds who gathered to say one simple thing: thank you.
The journey offered a powerful reminder of what it means to live an important part of our mission: to honor those who served.
Read Alex’s reflection and see more from the journey at warmemorial.org/veteran-stories/honorflight