Just about nine-hundred World War Two veterans nationwide are dying every day. Many of them have never seen the National Memorial erected in their honor in Washington D.C. But, one organization called the Honor Flight Network is working to change that.
Since the organization’s creation, The Honor Flight Network has flown over 85,000 servicemen to the nation’s capital at no cost to the veteran. Now for the first time the program has come to Tallahassee. Leon County EMS Chief Tom Quillin said the organization has grown since its inception in 2005.
“There are more than one-hundred established hubs of honor flight around the nation that exist for one reason and one reason only. And that is to fly America’s veterans to Washington D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to their honor,” Quillin said.
The Leon County Commission is giving $10,000 to help pay for what will be an almost $90,000 initiative to help get veterans to the memorial.
“As a Marine we have a saying: Semper Fi Delis, it means always faithful. And I think Honor Flight Tallahassee exemplifies what it means to be always faithful, and I thank you all for what you’re doing,” Former Marine Corps Lieutenant-General Robert Milligan said. He also said the Honor Flight Program is a great way to show servicemen appreciation.
In order to be a part of the flight, veterans must apply online. There’s also an application for volunteers to accompany the veterans. Vietnam veteran, Commander Mark Alvarez said it would be an honor to join the trip
“To be on the flight, I kind of wish I was there with them. You know, going on that flight. It’s pretty impressive and to be among these honored veterans,” Alvarez said.
The city’s inaugural flight is planned to take place in the spring of 2013. Visit honorflighttallahassee.org for more information about how to donate or apply for the flight.
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