Every American heart loves veterans, and the sight of over 100 veterans arriving at a Washington, D.C. airport, caused bystanders to give them a rousing welcome on Sept. 26.
The video of the moments when the veterans walk through the airport, and the swelling patriotism among the crowd, was captured by bystander Josh Chenault.
These veterans served the country in World War II, Vietnam and Korea and were invited to D.C. courtesy of the Honor Flight Network, a program which makes it possible for veterans from around the country to visit the nation’s capital.
“The Honor Flight Network’s mission is to fly World War II Veterans to Washington DC to visit THEIR Memorials,” reads the program’s website.
“We are encouraging veterans throughout the United States to submit applications because it is our ultimate goal that ALL capable World War II, Korean and Vietnam Veterans travel with us,” the website explains.
When they arrive there, the veterans get to visit memorials such as the National World War II Memorial, shake hands with former U.S. Senator Bob Dole, who visits the memorial whenever his health allows.
“I tell them it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what war you served in, whether you were wounded or not wounded,” Dole has said. “We’re all in this together.”
Even as Chenault watched the veterans parade, he was reminded of his own grandfather, who never got the chance to make such an important trip.
We all ought to give more honor and love to our veterans who have sacrificed so much for us and our country. God bless them!
