Villages Honor Flight will kick off the 2016 “flying season” with its first flight of Veterans to Washington, D.C.
This flight will depart on Wednesday, March 30, in the very wee hours of the morning with 35 Veterans, 35 Guardians, and 13 Medical and Flight staff. This is the first of four planned flights in 2016. Mission #25 consists of 13 Vets from World War II, 19 veterans from the Korean War, two Veterans from both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and one vet from the Vietnam War.
The veterans represent all branches of the military, including 13 from the Army, 4 from the Air force, 2 from the Army Air Corps, 5 from the Marine Corps, 10 from the Navy and one Veteran from the Coast Guard.
In Washington D.C., the veterans will visit Arlington National Cemetery and view the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, The Marine Corps Memorial and then have lunch at the Air Force Memorial. Following lunch, they will spend approximately two hours at the National Mall, where they will visit the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Wall, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. After dinner, they will fly back to Orlando and then bus back to The Villages.
A gala “Homecoming” is planned at American Legion Post 347, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Live music will be provided by Ralph Dinome and his band. Other entertainment will include The Villages Twirlers and The Villages Cheerleaders. The Honor Guard from Post 347 will be on hand, as well as a Water Cannon Salute from The Villages Public Safety Department. The public is encouraged to attend the Homecoming to cheer the returning Veterans, and to bring smiles, flags, neighbors and friends and perhaps folding chairs. The Veterans are expect to arrive at approximately11:15 P.M.
To learn more about Villages Honor Flight, to volunteer or to make contributions, visit www.VillagesHonorFlight.org, or call 352-432-1382.
