Honor Flight
Photo submitted by Harlowe Hutter
Harlowe Hutter
The Honor Flight Network was created in 2005 by Jeff Miller and Earl Morse with a simple, yet powerful, mission – honoring our nation's veterans by bringing them to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built to commemorate their service and sacrifice. Veterans are chosen based on when they served in the US Military. Currently, first priority is given to WWII veterans, followed by Korean War veterans. Veterans within the same war era are prioritized by the date that the application is received. Veterans serving between war eras are also eligible. Honor Flight honors our nation's veterans by bringing them on a cost-free trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built to commemorate their service and sacrifice. This is a great opportunity for veterans who might be unable to have the means to see these memorials.
Ray Navarro, Vietnam Era Veteran (Left) & Ruben Navarro, WWII Veteran (Right)
The Honor Flight has been running for 17 years so far, helping transport 260,000 veterans to Washington D.C. I was given the opportunity to speak with two veterans who are brothers, Ray and Ruben Navarro, on what they thought about the Honor Flight Programs and how we can help veterans feel appreciated. When I spoke to Ruben Navarro, a WWII veteran, he said that the Honor Flight is a great way to show veterans that they are appreciated in today’s society. During the Honor Flight, a veteran and one guest (to assist them), are flown to Washington D.C., where they are shown memorials, mainly related to the military.
Ray Navarro, a Vietnam-era veteran who is getting the chance to go on the Honor Flight this year, believes that the Honor Flight symbolizes an opportunity to recognize those that have served and honors those who never came back. When I asked Ray Navarro what he was most looking forward to during his upcoming Honor Flight, he said he was incredibly grateful to have an opportunity to concentrate and reflect on what those before us that have made the ultimate sacrifice in this country.
The Honor Flight is important in today’s society because it helps show veterans how much we appreciate their service. We often see in today’s society that many soldiers face physical, mental, and social issues that make them a vulnerable population. The final question I asked these veterans was how average Americans could show veterans they are appreciated in today's society. They both replied that something as simple as thanking veterans and people in uniform out in public makes their day and helps them to feel appreciated.
If you would like to support Honor Flight and their mission, donations are an amazing way to show your gratitude.
Both pictures feature Ray Navarro and fellow comrades during his time of service.
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