In light of Veteran’s Day on Monday, November 12, World War II, Korean and Vietnam vets are encouraged to apply for the Northwest Ohio’s Honor Flights to Washington D.C. The day-long excursions provide free air and ground transportation, meals, and tours of all war memorials (including the Women in Military Service Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery). The trips are supported through fundraisers, sponsors and donations. “Some flight hubs have folded due to lack of funding,” says David Chilson, local media coordinator, who hopes that will never happen here.
“This journey is like no other. These men and women form bonds of camaraderie and acceptance stemming from an understanding of shared experiences and emotions,” Chilson says. The program takes great care to ensure the veterans feel honored and thanked. Highlights include a wonderful ceremonial send off and homecoming and a hero’s welcome at the destination.
Since the WWII memorial wasn’t completed until 2004, organizers have a sense of urgency especially for aging WWII vets. They want as many as possible to see the memorial (an estimated 1,000 vets die every day). “We want to honor them with this experience of a lifetime — to let them know their sacrifice is appreciated and remembered.”
Go to honorflightnwo.org for veteran applications, to donate, host fundraisers/presentations and volunteer. Veterans of more recent conflicts may apply for consideration. Priority is given to WWII vets and terminally ill vets. An accompanying medical team, wheel chairs and escorts are provided.