For U.S. veterans, there is nothing as inspiring as visiting war memorials in our nation’s capital. Especially those who served their country many years ago.
Unfortunately, finances often stand in the way. They’d love to bask in the glory and solemnity of those memorials and Arlington National Cemetery. But they realize it will probably never happen.
Unless, that is, they are part of an Honor Flight. This network has taken off and soared to new heights. It has stuck the landing and disembarked to a raucous celebration.
The Honor Flight Network was established in 2005. It’s a non-profit organization. It flies U.S. military veterans from across the country to Washington, D.C., free of charge. There they spend three days visiting memorials dedicated to wars. Including wars in which they fought.
Program Launched in 2005
The Honor Flight Network launched humbly. Six small planes flew 12 veterans to Washington, D.C. in May 2005. But it became very popular quickly.
Soon commercial jets were used to transport the large number of interested veterans. Approximately 245,000 veterans have been flown to the nation’s capital for this purpose over the past 17 years.
Sites that veterans will see along the tour include the World War II Memorial. And the Air Force Memorial and the Navy Memorial.
Plus the Marine Corps War Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. As well as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and others.
Veterans Treated Like Heroes They Are
Honor Flights typically transport 25-100 veterans and volunteer guardians. The cost of about $25,000 to $100,000 per flight is covered by donations. As well as what the airlines contribute.
Originating from across the country, the flights land at one of three airports. They are Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. And Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. And Washington Dulles International Airport.
Heroes’ Welcome is a subgroup of the Honor Flight Network. They conduct welcoming ceremonies at the airports.
After landing in Washington, the veterans are escorted by their guardians to hotels. And then to the various memorials over several days.
‘I Was That Guy’
There are countless details that go into organizing an Honor Flight. It begins with veterans filling out an application. Generally speaking, veterans who are able to fly can go. They range in age from their 60s into their 90s.
They usually meet a week before the flight. Mainly to get acquainted and go over the agenda. And receive their shirts, hats, jackets and information packets.
They then meet at a hotel the night before their flight and are served breakfast in the morning. Then they are bussed to a local airport.
The closer the group gets to memorials, the quieter it gets. The memories are often still strong. When they see the statues of soldiers, sometimes they will say, “I was that guy” or “I carried that same rifle.” Nearly every veteran on the flight has a story to tell.
An Emotional Return
For many of the veterans, it’s their first time seeing these memorials. Most of them had to immediately start working as soon as they returned from their service. And they never had the time or resources to go.
Many believe that no one shares their feelings about their service. But by the way they are treated on these trips, the veterans realize that people do care. The guardians who accompany them are a big part of that.
How You Can Help
We are sponsoring a Lone Eagle Honor Flight taking place from April 11-13. Several 4Patriots employees will travel to join the group in the nation’s capital.
There we will capture video footage. Including pre- and post-interviews with some of the veteran participants.
4Patriots will also donate Patriot Power Cells to all participating veterans and guardians. They will be included in goodie bags. They will help recipients keep essential devices charged during their stay. And on the flight home.
Here’s how you can get involved: Please take a few minutes to write a letter of gratitude to these veterans and send it to us. Click here to submit your note to them. We will print it out for you and hand out these letters at “Mail Call.” They will be a huge source of encouragement to those who risked their lives for our freedom.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Honor Flight Network should visit www.honorflight.org and click on “Donate.” The cost for a flight is approximately $1,000 for each veteran and another $1,000 for each guardian.
Donations cover airfare and ground transportation. Plus shirts and gear, meals, and a memory book of their specific mission. As well as wheelchairs and walkers as needed. Anything that any of us can do to honor U.S. veterans is worth the time and effort.
I hope you’ll consider adding a letter of thanks to these veterans.
