You don’t have to fly to be part of Villages Honor Flight.
Thirty-five World War II veterans will leave here on Thursday, for the 20th Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Villages Honor Flight started three years ago, and the 500th veteran to make the trip will be on this flight. When they return from the one-day trip, the veterans will be honored with a “Welcome Home Ceremony” at 10 p.m. at American Legion Post 347.
But what about veterans too sick, weak or unable to fly for any other reason?
Villages Honor Flight has formed a “flightless” honor flight for them on Sept. 26. It will be a virtual media and live recreation of the actual honor flight and about 15 veterans are expected to participate. They will see the memorials honoring veterans; visit Arlington National Cemetery and watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
“We felt it’s a way for us to do something to salute these veterans unable to fly and they deserve this tribute,” said Barbara Hambright of Villages Honor Flight. “This not only gives the veterans a chance to experience the honor flight, it also allows Villagers to be part of a great day for those veterans.”
Honor Flight has been planning the event for months and held a special meeting Saturday afternoon at Colony Cottage Recreation Center. Those on the flightless trip will be given their own “airline tickets” by a representative from Southwest Airlines. They will be driven by bus, from American Legion Post 347 to the Colony Cottage Recreation Center.
Jesse Dilks, 91, is a World War II vet from the Army Air Corps who went on the regular honor flight last year. Now he will serve as an escort on the flightless honor flight.
“I think it’s a great idea to help as many veterans as possible experience the honor flight,” Dilks said. “It really meant a lot to me and we want these vets to feel like it’s the real thing. It’s a lot of fun and when you’re with each other on this kind of trip, it has a lot of meaning.”
Mark Erdrich, president of Villages Honor Flight, believes the many volunteers who make it possible, get satisfaction by serving those who served our country.
“These veterans made extreme personal sacrifices and risked their lives to literally save the world. We are honored that we can provide this trip for them.”
