On October 23, 2024, Washington Dulles International Airport was filled with the stirring sights and sounds of patriotism as 115 veterans arrived from Chicago on an Honor Flight. This latest Honor Flight—the 119th one from Chicago since the program began in 2008—marked a monumental moment of gratitude, bringing these American heroes to the nation’s capital for an unforgettable visit to the war memorials that stand in tribute to their sacrifices. The event was particularly moving as the veterans, including 107 Vietnam-era service members and 8 Korean War veterans, were given a rousing welcome from various honor guards, law enforcement representatives, and an appreciative crowd of onlookers.
Arriving on the flight at 9:00 a.m., these veterans were greeted with a warm and vibrant reception. Multiple honor guard units, led by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), joined with agencies such as Loudoun Fire and Rescue, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Loudoun Sheriff’s Office, Purcellville Police Department, Leesburg Police Department, and members of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) to salute the men and women who served decades ago. The Col. James Wood II Chapter of the SAR, represented by members Paul Christensen, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Allan Phillips, and Richard Tyler, played a significant role in welcoming these veterans. They were joined by dual members Barry Schwoerer and Mark Sink from the Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter and Jim Cordes from the Fairfax Resolves Chapter supported those who bravely defended the nation.
The Honor Flight, a program dedicated to honoring veterans by providing them with an all-expenses-paid visit to Washington, D.C., continues to have a profound impact. Since its inception, Chicago Honor Flights have enabled 11,433 veterans to experience a day dedicated to their service. This recognition resonates deeply with those who may have returned home without the fanfare they deserved. The veterans journeyed from Dulles to the National Mall, where they visited sites that reflect the scope of their service: the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. At each location, they paused to reflect, honor their fallen comrades, and witness the nation’s lasting gratitude.
These veterans were particularly moved by the reception. Many, like Vietnam veteran John Roberts, shared that the Honor Flight experience was an unexpected but deeply appreciated recognition. “When I came back from Vietnam, there were no parades, no thank-yous. To be welcomed like this now means the world to me,” he said…