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Honor Flights Open For Veterans

Hicksville Illustrated News - 6/21/2018

Those who fought in combat now have the opportunity to see tributes to their sacrifices in the nation's capital. Honor Flight Long Island is currently accepting applications from World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans for a free flight with peers to Washington, D.C. to tour military memorials.

"Honor Flight is an exceptional organization that provides an amazing service to our veterans, as these trips allow us to honor America's veterans for their service and sacrifice, and for all they did to help preserve our freedom and democracy," Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said.

Long Island Honor Flight, a nonprofit group part of the national Honor Flight network, organizes, hosts and pays for the biannual trips, which depart from Long Island MacArthur Airport. As part of the day's itinerary, veterans and "guardians" (volunteers who help make these trips possible) fly in to Baltimore-Washington International Airport, where a motor coach takes them on the 50-minute drive to Washington, D.C. and the WWII and Korean Memorials, a visit to Arlington National Cemetery and the Navy Memorial, the Air Force Memorial or other area high-points.

"This mission flies our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect together at our national memorials," Councilman Thomas Hand said. "If you or any eligible veteran you know has interest in participating in an Honor Flight, I urge you to take on this wonderful and charitable opportunity."

Each trip includes about 50 veterans, who are taken for free. They are accompanied by about 50 volunteers, who each pay $400. The volunteers assist those in wheelchairs or who use walkers and provide whatever help is needed along the way. Honor Flight trips are provided for veterans who have not already visited the memorials in Washington, D.C.

For more information regarding Long Island Honor Flights, apply for a spot on an upcoming flight, make a contribution or volunteer, visit www.honorflightlongisland.org or call Virginia Bennett at 631-702-2423.

-Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay