Veterans from World War II, as well as the Vietnam and Korean Wars, give a salute during their trip to Washington, D.C., which was provided through Honor Flight Northeast Indiana. The organization provides the trip free of charge as an opportunity for local veterans to see the memorials dedicated to their service.
Northeast Indiana veterans from World War II and the Vietnam and Korean Wars were recognized in October for their service and sacrifice with an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials dedicated to them.
The trip was provided through Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, which has hosted more than 2,200 veterans on such trips since the program began.
Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization created to honor America’s veterans for their sacrifices and service. The organization, with the help of many individuals and community supporters, makes it possible for these heroes to fly to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at the memorials built to honor their service.
Following breakfast at the Fort Wayne National Guard base, veterans and their guardians boarded the flight that took them on their journey. In D.C., they visited several memorials including the World War II, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, Air Force and Women’s War memorials.
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.
Army veteran Harold Hurst places a hand on the memorial made in his honor, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, during the Honor Flight trip.
Honor Flight participants were transported back to the Fort Wayne International Airport around 9:30 p.m., where thousands of patriotic fans, family members and friends welcomed them home and thanked the veterans for their service.
LaGrange County REMC Marketing Coordinator Nic Engle 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.
“Honor Flight is not only a great organization that gives veterans an opportunity of a lifetime, it also treats them like royalty for a day, which they certainly deserve,” Engle said. “It was truly humbling to see a couple of the veterans find the names of their friends who paid the ultimate price on the wall.”
Engle said he would encourage every veteran, who is able, to go on an Honor Flight, as it will be an experience he or she will never forget.
LaGrange County REMC honors the sacrifice these veterans made for us, and we’re proud to stand behind them and support them. Honor Flight is a well-deserved tribute to our veterans who bravely defended our country.
