Honor Flight Northeast Indiana marked a milestone with its 39th flight on Sept. 28. It was the first time Vietnam veterans made up the largest share of the group.

More than 80 veterans -— six Korean veterans, 12 Cold War veterans and 67 Vietnam veterans — were recognized for their sacrifice with an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials dedicated to them.

Noble REMC is honored to be a contributor to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, which has hosted more than 2,800 veterans on such trips since the program began.

It’s a long but rewarding day for the veterans, their guardians and all involved on the trip.

The veterans and their guardians started the day at the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne Air National Guard base, where they were given an early morning breakfast and sendoff before flying to D.C. to visit as many memorials and monuments as possible in one day. These included memorials to World War II, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, the Vietnam and Korean wars, and the U.S. Air Force and Military Women.

At Arlington National Cemetery, the group witnessed the changing of the guard and the laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

A smaller affair than in years past due to construction at the Fort Wayne International Airport, it didn’t stop patriotic fans, family members and friends from welcoming the Honor Flight participants home as they disembarked the airplane late that evening, with some veterans overcome with emotion at the sight.

Communications Specialist Kelly Spear had the privilege to travel with the group to document the day through photographs, including the ones featured here. Sponsored by the REMCs of northeast Indiana, the photos will be featured in a book each veteran will receive to commemorate the day. 

Noble REMC is proud to stand behind and support these veterans through this recognition of their sacrifice. Honor Flight is a much-deserved tribute to our veterans who bravely defended our country.