On Sunday, May 4, 2015, eighty World War II veterans will return to San Diego International Airport on a chartered flight after visiting the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. The veterans left on Friday. On Saturday, they will visit the WWII Memorial, and then the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery. They will also tour the Navy Yard Museum, Korean, Iwo Jima, Vietnam, and Air Force Memorials.
San Diego Airport on Sunday
The San Diego International Airport has released the following information for Sunday’s return at 2:55 p.m. at Terminal 2 near the baggage claim. Anyone is allowed to attend.
“Two veteran husband and wife couples will be making the trip together; a daughter and a grandson will serve as guardians for one of the couples. Another veteran is one of the Tuskegee Airmen – who went on to lead the Air Force department that investigated UFOs. Most of the veterans are over 90 years old; one veteran is 99! Two Girl Scout Cadets have collected more than 500 cards and letters that will be distributed during “mail call” on the plane and many more Scouts will be at the airport for the festivities.”
Honor Flight San Diego is a member of the Honor Flight Network, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for their service by flying them at no personal expense to see their Memorials.
Honor Flight Network – WW II Veterans
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs estimates 640 veterans die every day. The Honor Flight Network’s goal is to make it possible for as many of those still living to visit the memorials. The network is focusing on World War II veterans now, then Korea and Vietnam veterans after that because they have also sacrificed so much as well. The first flights of the Honor Flight Network occurred in May of 2005 after physician assistant and Retired Air Force Captain; Earl Morse created the program. From that time, the program has expanded to many cities and organizations. In May 2008, Southwest Airlines stepped up to donate many of tickets for Honor Flights Network.
Through 2012 almost 100,000 veterans had been on trips to see the memorials in Washington D.C. because the program has expanded to include combined resources throughout the country.
Obtain Information on Honor Flight
Veterans in the San Diego area can find information about flights departing from the area at Honor Flight San Diego. From there, you find a veteran application to take a flight. The site says they select on a first come, first serve basis as funds become available. They also have applications for volunteers and Guardians on an Honor Flight. The Honor Flight website is https://www.honorflight.org/
Contact Information:
Honor Flight, Inc.
300 E. Auburn Ave.
Springfield, OH 45505-4703
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
Phone: 937-521-2400
