Over 200,000 military veterans have visited Washington, D.C. through the Honor Flight Network since its inception in 2005.  On September 15, the latest Honor Flight group will take part in the journey, which will include 88 veterans and 60 volunteers.  Each year, nearly 100 participating veterans, representing World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War, depart the North Central West Virginia Airport and head to the nation’s capital to tour the monuments.

 

This year’s group will gather for breakfast together at 5:30a.m. and arrive in Washington, D.C. accompanied by a police escort.  The Honor Flight Network arranges the annual trips at no cost to the veterans and focuses all its efforts on paying tribute to those who served their country in times of war.

 

Several D.C. landmarks are scheduled for visits, including the National World War II Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Korean War Veterans and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, and the changing of the guards at Arlington National Cemetery.  The trip is the first time some of the veterans have seen the memorials that were built to honor their service.  

 

The Honor Flight is a collaborative effort between the Honor Flight Network, local donations and fundraising, making the experience affordable and accessible for those involved. Tanya Cayton, flight coordinator for the North Central West Virginia flight, said this trip allows veterans to be honored in the proper way.

 

The Honor Flight will return to Bridgeport around 8:30p.m., where they will a performance by the 249^thArmy Band and the veterans will be greeted by a supportive crowd dedicated to giving them a proper welcome home.  Area residents are encouraged to join in the celebration at the North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport.  Additional information about Honor Flight can be found at www.honorflight.org.