The American Airpower Museum is proud to once again host the Honor Flight Long Island Korean and Vietnam War Veterans Reunion on December 14th, 2024, reuniting 46 Veterans who took part in the Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. on October 5, 2024. These Long Island heroes visited their respective military memorials, enjoyed the comradery of fellow Veteran while sharing their experiences with fellow veterans, families, and caregivers. Honor Flight Long Islands mission is to honor fellow Long Islanders who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, by providing all-expense paid one-day trips to D.C. for our Veterans.
Thanks to HFLI, these 46 Veterans took a free, early-morning Southwest flight from MacArthur Airport to Washington, D.C. Veterans, their Guardians and Honor Flight officials visited World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for a “Changing of the Guard,” the Air Force Memorial and Iwo Jima Memorial. They returned to MacArthur later that evening for a rousing welcome home by the Saffron United Pipe Band, plus thunderous applause from hundreds of families, friends and supporters!
According to Bill Jones, HFLI President, West Point 1972 Graduate and U.S. Army Veteran, “This special flight included 43 Vietnam War Veterans who received long overdue recognition and thanks for their service,” Jones said. “They were accompanied by elder comrades, three Korean War Veterans. What this flight really represented was a ‘Big Hug’ to all our Veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters, who make such flights possible,” Jones added.
On December 14th the reunion runs from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at AAM’s Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY. Admission for the Veterans, their Guardians and families, is free. The public can attend FREE OF CHARGE if they arrive between 12:15 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to be seated for the event.
Come and support our Long Island veterans during the “Ceremony of Honors,” as they receive personalized Tribute Journals full of photos taken during their D.C. trip. This great patriotic event includes speeches by HFLI President Bill Jones and AAM President and Founder Jeff Clyman. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Band will play a popular patriotic medley known as the “Armed Forces Salute,” featuring the six official musical themes of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. Free refreshments for all provided by HFLI.
HFLI is accepting applications from Veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Long Island Veterans are encouraged to sign up by going to the HFLI website, www.honorflightlongisland.org. It’s important to submit an application, as that will guarantee placement on the list. Veterans fly for free, thanks to donations from across Long Island. They are accompanied by Guardians, able-bodied volunteers who donate $400 (tax deductible) to offset their travel costs. If there is no family member or friend to act as Guardian, HFLI has volunteers ready to step up for the privilege of escorting our heroes to their memorials. Questions? Call Jamie Bowden at (631) 702-2423 or JBowden@southamptontownny.gov.
