Dozens Of Utah Veterans Embark On ‘Honor Flight’ To Nation’s Capital
Nov 10, 2019, 9:48 PM | Updated: Nov 11, 2019, 9:56 am
NORTH SALT LAKE, Utah – Dozens of Utah veterans heading to Washington D.C. as part of the Utah Honor Flight program. The Honor Flight gives service members the chance to see their war memorials on Veterans Day.
It was an early start Sunday for the 48 veterans who will have the opportunity to visit the war memorials honoring their service and the sacrifice.
Friends and loved ones gathered early during the morning at the Utah National Guard Readiness Center Armory in North Salt Lake to send off some of the state’s bravest men.
Having served during times of peace and war, they represent all of the military branches.
Local leaders, including Senator Mitt Romney, Representative Ben McAdams, and Governor Gary Herbert, participated in the send-off ceremony to thank them for their service.
The Honor Flight is about recognizing veterans like Army veteran Ron Romero for their willingness to stand by America.
“It will be very special to see the Vietnam Memorial, especially because that’s when I was there. To have (the visit) fall on Veterans Day is very special,” said Romero.
Putting aside the politics behind the conflicts, this is as much for healing as it is for remembering.
“It means to make up for the times we didn’t get any respect or honor,” said Romero.
Loved ones waved goodbye as the veterans loaded the buses that took them to the airport – a flashback to that first drive to boot camp so many years ago.
Once at the airport, all 48 were proudly escorted to the boarding gate by the Utah Pipe Band.
Others came to the airport to honor the veterans making the flight.
“It means so to me to know that people who would put their lives on the lines get to go and see how much they’ve done and see their name written on that wall,” said Jeffery, who went to the airport with his dad.
Trip and travel expenses for the veterans are covered by the Utah Honor Flight program and Nate Wade Subaru. To date, 1,550 Utah veterans have traveled to the nation’s capital to visit their war memorial.
