LI veterans reunion at American Airpower Museum after Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. – 37 Vietnam War veterans receive long overdue recognition and Thanks for Military Service

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LI veterans reunion at American Airpower Museum after Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. – 37 Vietnam War veterans receive long overdue recognition and Thanks for Military Service
Pictured left to right, Alvin Woods, Southampton resident and U.S. Army Vietnam veteran; Catherine Poulos, Southampton resident who served as his guardian; Bill Jones, Honor Flight LI President, Southampton resident, U.S. Army veteran and West Point 1972 Graduate. They are standing by the Vietnam Memorial during trip to Washington, D.C. on April 29, 2023. Photo provided by Honor Flight LI

The public is invited to another great event at the American Airpower Museum.  On Saturday, Aug. 5, we’re co-hosting a patriotic reunion of 37 Vietnam War, two World War II and five Korean War veterans, who took a flight to Washington, D.C. on April 29.

On that historic day, Honor Flight Long Island escorted this band of brothers on a free early a.m. flight to our nation’s capital.  Veterans and their guardians visited WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for a “Changing of the Guard,” the Air Force Memorial and Iwo Jima Memorial.

They returned to Islip MacArthur Airport that evening for a raucous welcome by the Nassau County Fire Fighters Pipe and Drum Band, plus thunderous applause from hundreds of family, friends and supporters!

According to Bill Jones, Honor Flight LI President, West Point 1972 Graduate and U.S. Army veteran, “This special flight included 37 Vietnam veterans who received long overdue recognition and thanks for their military service.

They were accompanied by seven elder comrades – two WWII and five Korean War veterans.  What this flight represented was a ‘Big Hug’ to all our veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters who make such flights possible,” he said.

On Saturday, Aug. 5, the Museum’s Hangar 3 doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the reunion runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at AAM, 1230 New Highway in Farmingdale,  (631) 293-6398, www.americanairpowermuseum.org.

The public is welcome to attend and applaud these veterans, especially during our “Ceremony of Honors,” as each is presented with a Tribute Journal full of photos taken during their day in D.C.  Members of the public arriving for the event from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. may attend free of charge!

After 12:00 p.m., regular Museum admission is free for members, $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, $10 for children ages 5-12 and free for children ages 4 and under.

This great patriotic celebration includes speeches by Honor Flight LI President Bill Jones and AAM President and Founder Jeff Clyman.  The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Band will play a popular medley known as the “Armed Forces Salute,” featuring five official melodies of the U.S. Armed Forces:  Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Free cake, coffee and refreshments provided by Honor Flight will be enjoyed by all!  Co-hosts AAM and Honor Flight LI encourage public participation in this historic event, to help us honor 44 of Long island’s home-grown heroes for their service to our great nation!  See you at Hangar 3!

 

 

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