The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight recently conducted its 103rd flight honoring the sacrifices and valor of U.S. veterans, according to a report from Breitbart News.
Nearly 60 veterans, including four from World War II, traveled to Washington, D.C., on the flight, the report noted.
Their mission was to pay homage to fallen comrades by visiting war memorials situated along the National Mall and Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
This special flight, which departed 5 a.m. Tuesday had 58 veterans onboard.
The local Fox 2 affiliate reported that the group included four World War II veterans, one of whom is a centenarian, along with 15 Korean War veterans and 39 Vietnam vets on a Southwest flight.
One of the poignant moments of Tuesday’s events was a flag-folding ceremony held at the iconic Lincoln Memorial, according to the report.
The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure military veterans can visit Washington, D.C., war memorials without financial burden.
Its efforts provide the military veterans an opportunity to reflect, remember and find solace.
John Lauren, a 96-year-old World War II veteran, expressed his gratitude to Fox 2.
“I think it’s nice what they’re doing because a lot of people have been through hell,” Lauren said. “So it gives them some pleasure and satisfaction.”
Another veteran, George Kinsey, who served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars and was honored with a Purple Heart after being wounded in Vietnam, agreed.
“It’s an honor to be included on this,” Kinsey remarked. “People are finally realizing that veterans are for the country, We’re not against anybody; we’re serving our country. Fortunately, the country finally came around and realized that.”
The group’s 104th flight is scheduled for November 7, according to the report.
To support their mission, the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight is scheduled to conduct a gala fundraiser November 16 at the Marriott St. Louis West.
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