VARIOUS INITIATIVES have been established to pay tribute to brave veterans and keep their legacy alive. One remarkable initiative that garnered widespread attention and admiration is the National Honor Flight program. This unique program, founded by an Air Force captain and a physician assistant in Dayton, Ohio, began in 2004 with a mission to transport veterans to Washington, D.C., to experience the various museums dedicated to their service and sacrifices.
The program has blossomed into a remarkable experience for war veterans all over the nation. Founded by a devoted Air Force captain and physician assistant, hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Honor Flight ignites a spectacular all-expenses-paid adventure for war veterans as they embark on an unforgettable journey to witness the special memorials of Washington, D.C. Each hero is provided a particular polo shirt, hat, and backpack with vital adornment symbolizing their distinguished service.
In 2008, the Southern Middle Tennessee Honor Flight was established. Under the guidance of Claude Morse, a retired Air Force public affairs officer and Vietnam veteran, the organization expanded and established Honor Flights in numerous areas within the U.S. beginning in 2011.
“We cover the majority of Tennessee, and we take veterans from Kentucky or Alabama and Northern Georgia that apply. Our priority goes to terminally ill veterans from any war. We rarely see that, but that would be a terminal veteran that the doctor says can go on a trip for a day,” Morse remarked.
Their next priority focuses on Korean War veterans, with any remaining seats allocated to 70% or more disabled Vietnam veterans.
As the national anthem floods the air, the veterans enjoy a hearty breakfast of sausage, biscuits, and coffee, reminiscing about their days in uniform. Soon, they board a flight headed to the nation’s Capitol, where a heartwarming welcome awaits them. Thunderous applause and jubilant cheers surround them.
This memorable day offers a rare opportunity for camaraderie among veterans, rekindling special bonds forged years ago on battlefields far from home. The vivid memories of shared sacrifice and courage come alive as they explore the solemn grounds of the World War II Memorial, Korean War
Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Iwo Jima Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Besides the awe-inspiring monuments, the veterans have the honor of meeting esteemed members of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation and indulging in a wonderful meal.
An unexpected delight graces the journey as the heroes receive a surprise mail call filled with heartfelt letters and cards written by children, ROTC cadets, and adoring family members, similar to what they experienced in Basic Military Training at the start of their career.
As the day draws to a close, the veterans are welcomed back to the airport with open arms, escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders and other esteemed civic groups
Honor Flight is a powerful experience for numerous veterans, encouraging them to open up about their difficult wartime experiences, often sharing these stories for the first time. This extraordinary event’s profound impact is such that some veterans have even asked to be buried in their Honor Flight polo shirts, a testament to the cherished memories imprinted in their hearts during that unforgettable day.
“Every flight we get, we get the feedback that is just heartwarming from all the veterans. And after every flight, all the phone calls come to me. I get dozens of phone calls with people asking, ‘How does my uncle get on the next flight?’”
The organization completed its 25th Honor Flight this past April. The organization hosts two flights yearly, one in the spring, usually in April, and one in September. The next flight is tentatively planned for September 27. GN
