Honor Flight: A journey of gratitude and reflection

A few months ago, my father, Tony, called with exciting news: He had been selected for an Honor Flight! At first, I thought he had been selected to volunteer—he’s 75 years old, but very active in the Veteran community where he lives in upstate New York. I was excited to learn he was being honored for his service as a Vietnam War Veteran. My older sister, René, would accompany him as his guardian—a critical role filled by someone a generation removed from the Veteran, providing physical and emotional support throughout the journey.

What is Honor Flight?

Honor Flight is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring America’s Veterans by flying them to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. Established in 2005, the program focuses on giving Veterans—especially those from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam—the recognition they deserve. Each year, thousands of Veterans participate in Honor Flights, supported by countless volunteers and guardians. The program operates with military precision, ensuring each detail of the experience is meaningful and seamless.

A day to remember

On the day of my dad’s flight, 86 Veterans from New York’s Hudson Valley gathered at Stewart Airport for a send-off worthy of heroes. Friends, family and supporters cheered, waved flags and held signs. The energy was palpable, and both of my sisters’ kids, along with my niece’s cheerleading team, joined in the celebration.

In Washington, my husband Ben, our son Jack, and I waited at Reagan National Airport with flags and posters. As my dad’s plane pulled up to the gate it was given a “water salute” by two firetrucks on either side, a ceremonial gesture to honor the Vets on board the flight.

The Veterans were greeted with cheers and “welcome home” signs—something many Vietnam Veterans never received when they returned from war decades ago. For my dad, it was a moment of reflection and redemption.

The group visited several iconic sites, starting with Arlington National Cemetery, where they attended the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Seeing these solemn ceremonies through my dad’s eyes made them even more profound. For him, the day brought back memories—both humorous and painful. He recalled his first night in Vietnam: the suffocating heat, distant gunfire, and barracks overrun by rats. He shared stories about his work on F-4 Phantom ejection seats and the ear-splitting noise of the flightline, which eventually led to hearing loss.

At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, we located the names of my dad’s friends who were killed in action. He told us about one of his friends from Boy Scouts and their adventures camping in the mountains. It was a jarring reminder that my own 15-year-old son is just a few years younger than my dad and his friends were when they served. Seeing those names etched in stone, we paused to reflect on their lives and sacrifices. A volunteer helped us make graphite rubbings of their names—tangible reminders of their service.

The day concluded with a visit to the World War II Memorial and a group dinner. At each stop, there was camaraderie among the Veterans, many of whom hadn’t seen each other since high school. My dad, a fixture in our small town of Beacon, N.Y., reconnected with old acquaintances and shared memories.

A hero’s welcome

The flight home featured a heartwarming “Mail Call,” where each Veteran received letters of appreciation from family, friends and even strangers. My dad was moved to tears as he read the heartfelt messages, waiting until he was home to finish them. When they landed back at Stewart Airport, the Veterans were greeted by an even larger crowd than in the morning. The airport was filled with flags, cheers and applause—a proper homecoming decades in the making.

A note from my dad

After the trip, my dad wrote a note to me and my sisters. He said, in part:

“Your being there for me was both comforting and reassuring that my service was not forgotten. While there will never be total peace for me or any vet that experienced what we did, know that going on Honor Flight with both of you was a memorable experience, and I can’t thank you enough.”

How you can help

Honor Flight relies on volunteers and donations to operate. Guardians play a crucial role, providing support and companionship for the Veterans throughout the day. Writing letters for “Mail Call” is another impactful way to get involved. To learn more about the organization or find a hub near you, visit the Honor Flight website, or go to www.honorflight.org.

This experience reminded me of the importance of honoring our Veterans and preserving their stories. It also deepened my appreciation for my dad’s service and the sacrifices he made. If you have a Veteran in your life, encourage them to participate in an Honor Flight—it’s a day they’ll never forget.