CINCINNATI (WXIX) – A shared past brought two strangers together on a recent Honot flight.

For some, the Honor Flight is a time to reflect on decades of service. Others use it as a way to pay tribute to fallen war heroes.

Korean War veterans Daniel Whitney and Lawrence Olivia met at a veterans memorial.

While they served in separate branches, they were able to come together and reflect on their service.

“Where have you been?” Oliva asked. Whitney replied, “I was armed. I ended up in Okinawa for 17 months.”

The two share more than just wartime memories, they share an appreciation for their fellow servicemen.

Whitney felt it was his duty to use the Honor Flight to pay respect to his late friend.

“He was a BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) man and they taught him to shoot,” Whitney explained of his friend. “Keep moving because they would fear that the enemy will focus on someone like a machine gun. He would follow you. My friend went from corporal to sergeant first class in 24 hours.”

Leaving behind a bouquet of flowers in honor of his friend, the bond between those who served remains strong.

It’s a connection Olivia can relate to.

“It’s a camaraderie that you develop, even though you may not know that person, but you have something in common that you could relate to and you were proud of,” Olivia described. “We are very proud to serve.”

It has been 71 years since the Korean War ended.

Although many things have changed since then, it is clear that this is a special friendship that will stand the test of time.

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