Sun ‘n Fun welcomed more than100 returning World War II, Korea and Vietnam war veterans back to the warbird area last night after a whirlwind day of visiting war memorials in Washington, D.C. The Flight to Honor continues a tradition of chartering day flights to the nation’s capital so aging veterans can see the monuments erected to commemorate their service.
Last night’s arrival festivities had a certain twist: All of the veterans who flew up and back on a chartered American Airlines A320 were from Polk County, Florida, which hosts Sun n’ Fun annually. The day trip cost $75,000, raised entirely from local donations.
Gary Clark, chairman of the Polk County Veterans’ Council, cited three objectives of yesterday’s Flight to Honor mission:
“Number one, we want these veterans to see the memorials that were constructed in their honor. Two, the event gives the community a chance to show our appreciation. Last and most important, we want to impress upon young people the importance of service above self.”
Priority for the Flight to Honor was given to those with medical conditions, then World War II veterans, followed by the younger generation of Korean and Vietnam war veterans
AVweb will have a video of the Flight of Honor later today.
