Sponsored by BWI
(WC: 406)
Every year, the Honor Flight Network helps thousands of veterans travel to the Baltimore-Washington region to visit memorials built in Washington, D.C. commemorating their service. With the help of volunteers, the non-profit organization plans the trip of a lifetime for veterans who served during World
War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and veterans of any service area who are critically ill, beginning from the moment they land at BWI Thurgood Marshall International Airport.
When the plane touches down, veterans onboard are greeted with a hero’s welcome—complete with water cannon salutes, standing ovations, and thunderous applause. Then the veterans, along with their Honor Flight guardians, depart for two days of activities in the nation’s capital. They tour the memorials,
meet fellow veterans, and honor their brothers and sisters in arms.
It’s a special experience for everyone involved, especially the veterans, many of whom thought they would never get to visit the memorial built for them.
Supporting the cause
Honored veterans always travel free of charge thanks to generous donations. In fact, the Honor Flight Network has flown nearly 275,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. for free since its inception. Airlines can donate miles. Businesses and individuals can make monetary donations to help cover the costs of these trips. And airports, like BWI Marshall Airport, organize volunteers and BWI Marshall Airport Fire and Rescue to ensure traveling veterans get the full experience they deserve. Volunteers come as individuals or small groups to greet veterans, help guide them through the terminals, and even serve as guardians for the duration of the trip.
The history of the Honor Flight Network
Honor Flight Network was founded in 2005 with a powerful mission—to honor our veterans by bringing them to visit the memorials built to commemorate their service. This trip can be difficult for veterans who are well into their 70s, 80s, and 90s, some with financial limitations, physical limitations or both, but Honor Flight Network volunteers have been determined from the very beginning to show that their valor and sacrifice are not forgotten.
The Honor Flight Network initially began by focusing on World War II Veterans but expanded to include those who served during the Korean War and Vietnam War, along with any veterans who are critically ill.
They envision a future where all of America’s veterans experience the honor, gratitude, and community of support they have earned.
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