September 24 2026

A Mariposa County veteran is reflecting on what he calls an unforgettable honor flight trip to Washington, DC.

Harry Steed, 81, a Silver Star recipient for heroic action in Vietnam, recently took part in the program that brings veterans to the nation's capital and honors their service.

Steed said the experience was indescribable, and one of the highlights was visiting the US Capitol with his son, James Steed.

Another deeply personal stop was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where he etched names from the wall onto a piece of paper.

Steed told the Gazette that military service runs deeply through his family, going back to the Revolutionary War, and his own life was shaped early by that tradition.

Born in Philadelphia, he moved frequently because his father was in the military, living in places including Corpus Christi, Millington and Alameda, and even attending school in the Philippines for three years before returning to California.

A Mariposa County veteran is reflecting on what he calls an unforgettable honor flight trip to Washington, DC.

Harry Steed, 81, a Silver Star recipient for heroic action in Vietnam, recently took part in the program that brings veterans to the nation's capital and honors their service.

Steed said the experience was indescribable, and one of the highlights was visiting the US Capitol with his son, James Steed.

Another deeply personal stop was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where he etched names from the wall onto a piece of paper.

Steed told the Gazette that military service runs deeply through his family, going back to the Revolutionary War, and his own life was shaped early by that tradition.

Born in Philadelphia, he moved frequently because his father was in the military, living in places including Corpus Christi, Millington and Alameda, and even attending school in the Philippines for three years before returning to California.