INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Twenty WWII veterans and 61 Korean War veterans are awaiting a trip of a lifetime on May 14, the second of four Honor Flights in 2016 coordinated by Southeast Florida Honor Flight.
This flight marks the first time the organization is flying predominantly Korean War veterans, who have been waiting years for this opportunity. The veterans will be flown to Washington D.C. for a day dedicated to honor them and to visit and reflect at the memorials built to commemorate their service and sacrifices.
The trip to Washington D.C. is a powerful experience; however, the biggest surprise happens upon touchdown. The public is invited to attend the red, white and blue “Welcome Home” at Palm Beach International Airport the evening of the May 14 to cheer and thank the veterans upon their return.
Saturday’s Honor Flight begins very early with veterans and guardians arriving at Palm Beach International Airport about 4 a.m. to get checked in and loaded aboard a chartered American Airlines A321. The contingent arrives at Reagan National to a welcoming party of citizens anxious to extend their gratitude to the arriving veterans.
With a police escort throughout the day, four motor coaches will transport the group to visit the U.S. Marine Memorial (Iwo Jima), Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard, the World War II Memorial and the Korean War Memorial.
The flight is scheduled to return to West Palm Beach at 8:20 p.m., when Operation Welcome Home begins. The procession of veterans is traditionally welcomed home by hundreds of people from the local community, including members of the military, community and civic groups, family and friends, who amass in the airport, awaiting the veterans’ arrival to give them a true welcome home, a welcome that most never received years ago. It is an opportunity to express gratitude to the Nation’s veterans, shake hands and say thank you.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend the homecoming, with signs of thanks or flags or simply with cheers. The Operation Welcome Home event congregates at Palm Beach International Airport, Level 2, Concourse A/B. Early arrival is recommended. For more information on Operation Welcome Home, please call 1-855-FLYAVET (855-359-2838).
