37 Vietnam War veterans receive long-awaited recognition and thanks for their military service.
On Saturday, August 13, 2022, the American Airpower Museum and Honor Flight Long Island will host a reunion of 37 Vietnam-era veterans and one World War II veteran. On June 4, 2022, Honor Flight escorted this group of veterans on a complimentary early morning flight to Washington, D.C. Veterans and their guardians toured World War II and Vietnam memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a changing of the guard. They returned to Islip later that evening to a rousing welcome from the Eastern Long Island Police Pipes and Drums Band, and thunderous applause from hundreds of families and supporters!
According to Bill Jones, president of Honor Flight Long Island, a 1972 West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran, “this special flight included 37 Vietnam veterans who received long-awaited recognition and thanks for their military service. They were accompanied on this flight by a senior comrade, a World War II veteran of the “greatest generation”. What this flight represented was a ‘big hug’ to all of our Honor Flight veterans, their families and supporters who make these flights possible,” he said.
On August 13, the museum opens at 10:30 a.m. and the meeting takes place from 11:00 a.m. at 1:00 p.m. at AAM Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY. The public is encouraged to attend, cheer, and cheer on our veterans during the “Honours Ceremony” as each receives a personalized tribute journal filled with photographs taken during their historic day in Washington, DC. Admission for the 38 veterans, their guardians and their families is free. The public arriving for the event from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. can attend for free. Afternoon regular admission to the museum is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, and $10 for children (ages 5-12).
This great patriotic event includes speeches from HFLI President Bill Jones and AAM President and Founder Jeff Clyman. Elected officials are expected to attend and present citations to veterans. The U.S. Coast GuardAuxiliary Flotilla Band will play a patriotic medley known as the “Armed Forces Salute,” featuring five official U.S. Armed Forces melodies: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Complimentary refreshments will be provided by HFLI. Come honor Long Island’s local heroes!
The American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport is Long Island’s only flying military aviation museum.
