Thank You Veterans: Recognized by Honor Flight Network

This past Saturday morning, at a time when many Arkansans were still sound asleep, nearly100 men and women from the ‘Greatest Generation’ were anxious, nervous and grateful, standing at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport waiting to board a plane to Washington, D.C.

As part of the Honor Flight Network, these World War II heroes and their companions were travelling to our nation’s capitol for a tour of honor, experiencing the history, monuments and memorials that recognize their sacrifice and service.

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to see these folks and visit with them before they left on their flight and it was truly an amazing experience.

Their trip was indeed a unique opportunity. According to 2008 statistics, we are losing World War II veterans at the rate of approximately 1,000 per day. The Honor Flight Network is working to give as many of those veterans as possible the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., free of charge, to see the memorials that represent their commitment to freedom and their impact on the history of the world.

The veterans had a hero’s welcome in Washington, D.C., something some of these veterans never experienced. Complete with a band, red, white, and blue decorations and plenty of supporters, the reception at Reagan National Airport was heartwarming with many expressing tears of joy.

Although the weather didn’t cooperate, raining for most of the trip, the veterans were in great spirits, some of them seeing the monuments and memorials for the first time. For many it was the first opportunity they’ve had to see the World War II Memorial which opened in 2004.

The veterans also went to Arlington National Cemetery to honor their friends and comrades who didn’t get to see the World War II Memorial. In addition, some of these veterans saw monuments to scenes they saw firsthand. One veteran told the story to a member of my staff about watching his fellow Marines hoist up the American flag on Iwo Jima. That moment is now memorialized in the Marine Corps Memorial.  

The Honor Flight Network pays tribute to the men and women who served our country. This is an extraordinary program and I am hopeful and optimistic that we can continue its success in Northwest Arkansas and throughout the Natural State. With the support of local businesses like Tyson Foods, Wal-Mart, and other local companies, we can give our veterans this tribute and honor.

In Case You Missed It

90 WWII vets honored with D.C. trip - Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Veterans to Washington - Benton County Daily Record
World War II Vet Prepares for Honor Flight - KFSM
Local Veterans Get Free Trip to Washington - KHBS/KHOG

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Coming Soon...

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