Share
News

Airport Erupts in Applause as 120 Veterans Arrive in DC After 'Honor Flight' by Southwest

Share

The sight of over 100 veterans arriving at a Washington, D.C. airport, moved bystanders to erupt in applause on Sept. 26.

Bystander Josh Chenault was able to capture video footage of the moving moments that patriotism swelled throughout the airport as veterans who served in World War II, Vietnam and Korea walked by.

The veterans were in D.C. courtesy of the Honor Flight Network, a program that makes it possible for veterans from around the country to make the significant visit to the nation’s capital.



“The Honor Flight Network’s mission is to fly World War II Veterans to Washington DC to visit THEIR Memorials,” reads the program’s website.

Veterans are invited to apply to the program, which covers travel and accommodation expenses associated with the trip.



“We are encouraging veterans throughout the United States to submit applications because it is our ultimate goal that ALL capable World War II, Korean and Vietnam Veterans travel with us,” the website explains.

Upon arrival, veterans have the opportunity to visit memorials such as the National World War II Memorial.

They may even get to shake hands with former U.S. Senator Bob Dole, who still makes his way to the memorial as often as his health allows.

“I tell them it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what war you served in, whether you were wounded or not wounded,” Dole has said. “We’re all in this together.”

As Chenault watched the line of veterans parade by, his thoughts traveled to his own grandfather, who never got the chance to make such an important trip.

“Always makes me emotional,” Chenault wrote on Facebook. “Wish my own grandfather coulda had the chance to do this.”

Chenault praised Southwest Airlines for making travel possible for these very deserving veterans.

Related:
Chaotic Scenes: Footage Shows Complete Madness After South Korea's President Declares Martial Law

“As always, the veteran is not required to pay for anything, unless they choose to purchase souvenirs,” the Honor Flight Network explained. “They have paid enough with their service to this country.”

If you know of a veteran who should make this trip, help him or her apply by visiting the Southwest Lone Eagle Program‘s web page. Every veteran deserves to be honored in this remarkable way.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, , , , , ,
Share
A graduate of Grand Canyon University, Kim Davis has been writing for The Western Journal since 2015, focusing on lifestyle stories.
Kim Davis began writing for The Western Journal in 2015. Her primary topics cover family, faith, and women. She has experience as a copy editor for the online publication Thoughtful Women. Kim worked as an arts administrator for The Phoenix Symphony, writing music education curriculum and leading community engagement programs throughout the region. She holds a degree in music education from Grand Canyon University with a minor in eating tacos.
Birthplace
Page, Arizona
Education
Bachelor of Science in Music Education
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Lifestyle & Human Interest




Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

Conversation