Honor Flights a Tribute to Our Veterans
MAY / 2016 ISSUE 38 HONOR FLIGHTS A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS undreds of World War II veterans are living their final D.C. and back. By the end of the year, the program had days in Pinellas County. These veteran are somewhere allowed 137 veterans to see the memorial. Hbetween 90 and 100 years of age, although some In late 2005, Jeff Miller, son of a World War II veteran and soldiers who enlisted underage, maybe slightly younger. Most a charter member of the National World War II Memorial veterans have never seen the Washington D.C. World War II Foundation, was inspired by Morse’s efforts and wanted Memorial built in their honor. to expand it. He contacted US Airways about chartering Honor Flight, a non-profit organization, was created to an airplane and HonorAir was born. Over three days in give veterans of World War II, the Korean Conflict and the 2006, HonorAir flew more than 300 World War II veterans Vietnam War to chance of go to D.C. to see memorials from Asheville to D.C. - free of charge. HonorAir provided honoring their service. Two people are credited for the everything—a doctor, several EMTs, guardians, tour buses, concept: Jeff Miller, of Henderson, North Carolina and retired and food. When they arrived, they were greeted by thousands Air Force Captain Earl Morse. of supporters with music and marching bands. Morse worked with patients at the Department of Veterans Heroes Welcome a project of the American Legion Auxiliary Affairs in Springfield, OH. When he asked them about the Unit #180 in Vienna, Va was created to organize welcoming memorial, completed in 2004, most said they knew of it ceremonies for the Honor flights at the three Washington but none of them had seen it.” He realized due to their area airports.
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