Community Members Welcome Veterans Home from Honor-Flight Sponsored Trip to D.C.

Groups of local veterans were sent on free trips to Washington, D.C. to visit war memorials through Honor Flight of the Inland Empire and donations made from throughout the community. Every year, schools, professional groups, companies, civic entities, and veteran service organizations donate to pay the transportation, food, and housing expenses of veterans, some with terminal illnesses or those who have waited decades to see their memorials, so they can travel to the nation’s capital, where they are recognized as heroes who gave their lives to protect the world. Every year, the goal of Honor Flight I.E. is to raise $150,000, the cost of sending 150 veterans to Washington, D.C. Once there, the veterans are thanked, recognized and admired for their service. Last October, Honor Flight I.E. was able to send 66 World War II veterans and one Vietnam War veteran to Washington, D.C., where they were able to explore national monuments and memorials like the Arlington National Cemetery and the National Museum of the U.S. Navy. This year, 23 local veterans returned to a welcoming crowd at the San Diego International Airport May 1. Another 21 will return to the Ontario International Airport June 12. People are welcome to gather at 12:30 p.m. with flags and signs of appreciation to welcome the Greatest Generation home.