News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
After a three-year hiatus due to COVID, Honor Flight is back.
Dozens of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam veterans will fly to Washington D.C. in October to visit memorials. American Legion Post 46 Chaplin John Grimm said it has been a way for Americans to honor veterans since 2005.
“The veterans are met by guardians, and they go to these national memorials and help them feel recognized, validated and respected,” Grimm said.
Grimm said the celebration is made free for veterans where they will gather with other comrades to be welcomed at the capitol. Grimm said flights will be going out of Nashville.
“Southwest Airlines is nice enough to provide the flights,” Grimm said. “They will get a nice t-shirt and a hat. They will then be with their comrades and recall some of the things they have experienced in times of war and combat and what it meant for them personally.”
Grimm said while there are not any local veterans selected at this time, he is on the list to be considered for the trip. However, the selection process does prioritize World War II veterans or the terminally ill.
“They will have the opportunity to reconnect, tell their stories and go to some of the National Monuments there in Washington D.C,” Grimm said.
An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials of the respective war they fought in Washington, DC, at no cost to the veterans.
