Patriotic reunion for 46 LI war veterans after Honor Flight to D.C.

American Airpower Museum will co-host with Honor Flight Long Island the August 1 reunion of 46 veterans who took a free Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. earlier this year on May 2.

Courtesy of HFLI, the 46 veterans took a free, early-morning Southwest flight from MacArthur Airport to Washington, D.C. Veterans, their guardians, and Honor Flight officials visited World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, Air Force, Navy Memorials and other sites.

The Long Island heroes visited their military memorials, commiserated with fellow veterans and exchanged stories. They returned to MacArthur later that evening for a rousing welcome home by the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums Band, plus thunderous applause from hundreds of family, friends and supporters 

“This special flight included 41 Vietnam War veterans who received long overdue recognition and thanks for their service,” according to Bill Jones, HFLI president, West Point 1972 graduate and U.S. Army veteran. “They were accompanied by five elder comrades, one WWII veteran and four Korean War veterans. What this flight really represented was a ‘Big Hug’ to all our veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters, who make such flights possible,” Jones added.

The August 1st reunion is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the American Airpower Museum, Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale. Admission for veterans, guardians and families is free. Members of the public arriving from 10:30 a.m. to noon may attend for free.  After noon, regular admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and veterans, $12 for children ages 3 to 12, under 3 for free. Admission is free with ID for AAM members and active military/guard/reserves.      

Since 2007, Honor Flight Long Island has flown over 2,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their military memorials. For more information visit www.honorflightlongisland.org.