Editor’s note: Princeton resident Elaine Russell accompanied her father on an Honor Flight. Prior to the trip, Russell told of her anticipation. The following guest commentary tells of the trip and emotional impact it made on her and her father.

For the first time in my life, it was I who gently touched his shoulder at 3 a.m. and awakened him for the “Journey of a Lifetime.” I could not help but remember all those many years ago when he was my 4 a.m. alarm getting me up to do chores before heading off to school. It was finally time for our “Daddy-Daughter Honor Flight!”

We arrived at the airport by 4:45 a.m. Central Time, and as they promised, we were in the air by 6:15 a.m. heading for Washington, D.C. This is where his importance elevated, and I, as promised, started a very long day. His compromised mobility allowed for his travel to be in First Class with a window seat, while I was directed somewhere in the back of the plane. This was the only time we were separated, and I could see a little disappointment on his face. However, after a sausage croissant, coffee and juice, we landed in Washington, D.C., 9 a.m. Eastern Time.