My father-in-law went to Washington D. C. in October on an Honor Flight from San Francisco. Honor Flight Network is a “non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices. We transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – World War II survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill.” http://www.honorflight.org/The World War II Memorial was not completed until 2004.
There are Honor Flight chapters across the United States. My father-in-law flew to D. C. as a beneficiary of the graciousness of Honor Flight of Northern California. http://www.honorflightnorcal.org/
The flights and tours that Honor Flight Network provides World War II veterans are absolutely free. The veterans are accompanied by Guardians. Many of the veterans have mobility and other limitations that can be expected when the group that is comprised mostly of octogenarians. The group from Northern California flew out on a Friday and returned on Sunday. Upon arrival in D. C. they were greeted with a fanfare and treated like heroes for the entire trip. Upon their return, they were greeted by family and supporters waving flags and welcome home signs.
It was truly heartwarming to see their smiles.
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