BEDFORD, Va. (WFXR) — Sixteen Veterans are heading to Washington, D.C. on the Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight. Two of the Veterans fought in the Korean War. Fourteen Veterans fought in the Vietnam War.
During the three-day trip Veterans, their guardians, and medical staff will tour the different Memorials. The trip left from The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford on Friday morning.
WFXR’s Kathlynn Stone and Rhian Lowndes are traveling with these men and women. They will be sharing their stories throughout the weekend.
Day 1 of the Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight:
7:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.: Veterans started their trip at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford. After breakfast, a tour of the memorial, and a ceremony before send-off, the Veterans got on the bus to head to Washington, D.C.
4:00 P.M.: The Central and Southwest Virginia Honor flight arrives at the National Museum of the United States Army. The Veterans were welcomed in the door by a group of students waving flags and thanking them for their service.
7:00 P.M.: Veterans arrive at their hotel to a surprise welcome. People lined up holding signs and waving flags to thank them for their service.
Day two of the Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight:
8:30 A.M.: Veterans arrived at the Women’s Memorial. Four female Veterans were recognized for their service.
10:00 A.M.: Veterans arrive at Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard
10:45 A.M.: Veterans tour the Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Korean War Veterans Memorial: Two Korean War veterans were on this year’s Honor Flight, Irvin McGarrell and Dalton Nix. McGarrell served for two years in South Korea, serving seven months in the combat zone. Nix served in Germany, where his unit helped to run a phone line to a hospital. Both men visited the Korean War Memorial Saturday, a testament that the Forgotten War will never be forgotten.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial: The names of more than 58,000 United States military members, who gave their life to service, in the Vietnam War are etched onto the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC. The 14 Vietnam Veterans on Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight searched the memorial to find the names of the friends, family members, and loved ones they lost.
12:00 P.M.: Veterans arrive at the United States Air Force Memorial
1:00 P.M.: Sadly, strong storms cut short the time Veterans got to spend at the WWII Memorial. However, they received quite the greeting.
3:00 P.M.: Veterans arrive at the National Museum of the United States Navy
Day three of the Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight:
2:00 P.M.: Veterans arrive back in Bedford to a warm welcome home.
