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PAYSON — The Utah Honor Flight has a way of forging new friendships when World War II veterans visit the memorials in Washington, D.C., together.
The journey into their past can also reunite old friends.
Cliff Jensen and Fred "Bud" Baird, grew up together in Payson before they went off to war.
After serving together, they moved on in life and lost track of each other until this past spring when they unexpectedly ended up on the same Utah Honor Flight.
"We found each other as a kind of surprise while we were there," Baird said. "A wonderful surprise. Wonderful comrades."
"It was fun growing up here (in Payson)," Jensen said. "You could always go out and earn a few pennies, even in the depression."
Other men who grew up together in Payson were also reunited for the Honor Flight. DeLynn Heaps was especially thrilled to see Baird, a classmate he met in 5th grade. Boarding a bus for the flight, he spotted his old friend whom he thought he'd never see again.
Seven decades after they grew up together, Heaps and Baird laughed together and shared an appreciation for the accolades they received on the Honor Flight.
"This is just a great opportunity to get together," said WWII veteran Stirley Pulver. "We all received a victory medal while we were there. We didn't get them when we were actually discharged."
"What an honor it has been to serve and to find my comrades here," Baird said. Comrades who discovered one last chapter together.
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