A popular program helping veterans visit monuments in the nation's capital is starting back soon.
Since 2006, Blue Ridge Honor Flight has taken veterans to visit monuments in Washington, D.C. to honor their service.
GUARDIANS HELP VETERANS ON HONOR FLIGHT VISIT TO WAR MEMORIALS
Their next flight will be on April 27, leaving from Asheville Regional Airport.
Originally focused on Word War II veterans, the flight now includes three veterans from World War II, seven Korean War veterans, over 80 Vietnam War veterans, and Gold Star family members.
On Saturday, April 13, Blue Ridge Honor Flight held two orientation meetings, one in Hendersonville and the other in Asheville. The meetings allow veterans to meet their guardians who will be accompanying them while on their tour of the nation's capital. In addition to getting familiar with each other, the meetings also laid out what to expect on the journey.
President and Founder Jeff Miller says that once back home, the organizers are calling on the public for a big welcome home.
“We deplane at this huge hangar and the veterans come out, lead in by bagpipes and stuff and people can be there to clap and welcome the veterans home, give them something proper, give them a good, fresh positive memory to kinda push down the bad ones," Miller explained.
BLUE RIDGE HONOR FLIGHT TAKES VETERANS ON EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER IN D.C.
If anyone is worried about the construction at the airport, organizers says on April 27, starting at 7:30 p.m. they’ll have free parking and shuttle service at Gate 7 at the Ag Center. Anyone who wants to can come and give the veterans a warm welcome home.
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSBlue Ridge Honor Flight taking to the skies again April 27; warm welcome planned back home (wlos.com)
