JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The First Coast Honor Flight sent its first plane of veterans to Washington, D.C. on Saturday morning.
The Honor Flight sends veterans on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington for a free day trip. On the trip, the veterans visit their own memorials, meet other veterans and reflect on their service to the United States.
Saturday, the 25 veterans, the 25 guardians and the six Honor Flight staff members had a packed schedule. The group from Jacksonville will visit the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.
Then, the group will spend time on National Mall and visit Arlington National Cemetery to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After the busy day, the group will fly back to JAX.
Saturday’s flight is the first from the First Coast branch. The nationwide Honor Flight Network hosts these trips to show appreciation for the heroes in these wars.
First Coast Honor Flight will host more opportunities for these trips throughout the year. There is no charge to the veteran or to their family for the Veteran’s Honor Flight.
The organization is looking for more guardians for future trips. Guardians help the veterans throughout the day trip. You can apply on First Coast Honor Flight’s site.
If you know a veteran who would be interested in this trip, the application is available on the website as well. Top priority is given to terminally ill veterans from any war, World War II Veterans, Korean War Veterans, Vietnam Veterans and then those from later conflicts.