Utah veterans head out on Honor Flight to DC

SALT LAKE CITY — Dozens of U.S. war veterans left the Salt Lake City International Airport for Washington, D.C. Tuesday morning as part of the Honor Flight.

They’ll get the chance to see war memorials for the first time, honoring veterans first-hand.

The 76 veterans served in various military branches during World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.

This trip is free – so everything is covered.

Veterans are paired up with volunteer guardians, who are part of Brigham Young University’s College of Nursing.

Organizers say this trip is special because it’s the first flight since COVID-19 where they can see veterans’ faces.

For many veterans, this journey brings them some closure.

Jon Larsen, of Sandy, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969 to 1979.

“Considering the welcome home we didn’t get, it’s very gratifying.”

Stephanie Harmon, chairman of the Honor Flight, says this trip makes them feel seen.

“Many of them come home they don’t wear their service hats. They don’t really let people in the public know their veterans. And we hear from their families when they come back, they always wear their hats and talk about their trip to D.C.”

The oldest veteran taking the trip is 105 years old from St. George.

Folks are invited to come out to the airport to welcome them back home. They’ll return to Utah Wednesday, June 1, at 8 p.m.