The Honor Flight program in South Carolina ”” which flies World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., for free to see their national memorial ”” is taking off.
Four chapters have been formed statewide. They have scheduled five flights for the fall that will take 500 veterans to see the National World War II Memorial and other monuments in the nation’s capital.
The Honor Flight chapters have spread from Simpsonville to Columbia to Charleston ”” called Honor Flight Upstate, Honor Flight South Carolina and Honor Flight Lowcountry, respectively.
A large Honor Flight returned here to Mobile in May from DC. They set up a huge surprise return party for them at the Airport with bands, crowds, TV News, and even the Azalea Trail Maids. Quite a heartwarming show.
This is a fantastic effort. In June I made a contecting flight in Baltimore when an Honor Flight arived. People were standing at the gate area with flags and cheered as the veterans got off the plane (this group was traveling from Ohio). The individuals who greeted them were extremely generous and joyful. I had never heard of Honor Flight so they took the time to explain it me and others who wondered what was going on. It was a great sight to see these veterans ready for their tours… humbly receiving the honor they are due.
For everybody: For more information on Honor Flight around the country go to: http://www.honorflight.org/
I have had the honor (no pun intended) of being one of those who greeted these HEROES (AKA Veterans) when they arrive at the WWII memorial. This is a project which the American Legion Family (American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion) of Northern Virginia has taken on. We are there on the second and fourth Saturdays each month and other days if there is a “special” flight.
This is a terrific program. My American Legion Post raises money for this charity and we have worked hard to send as many WWII vets to the memorial as possible.
If you are looking for a discretionary place to put a few dollars, this is a good one.