Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending one of the greatest veteran’s gatherings you will ever see in Washington, DC. This gathering was held at the National World War II Memorial. The organization that made it all happen; Honor Flight.
According to the Veteran’s Administration, an estimated 1,000 Americans who fought in World War II die everyday. Most veterans of this war are in their late 70’s and early 80’s. Of the 16 million veterans who served in this war, only 3 million are alive today. 
In an attempt to honor the remaining Veterans across the country, Honor Flight, founded by Earl Morse provides America’s war veterans an opportunity to visit the WWII Memorial and other memorials in Washington. Morse, a Retired Air Force Captain, transports veterans several times a month from their hometowns to Washington for an opportunity to visit the memorials. This all expenses paid trip allows for each veteran to see a Memorial that has been dedicated to them for their sacrifices.
I have great deal of respect and admiration for Earl and his organization. His passion and drive is what makes the Honor Flight Network so successful. Since the first Honor Flight in May 2005, with six small planes and 12 World War II veterans, the program has expanded significantly. MSNBC was one of the initial national media outlets to cover one of the early flights from Dayton, Ohio.
By 2006, the program moved to commercial airline carriers to accommodate the maximum number of veterans possible. Moreover, it has partnered with similar programs, such as HonorAir in Hendersonville, North Carolina and Hero Flight in Provo, Utah. Together, with Honor Flight, they have formed the “Honor Flight Network,” and are aggressively expanding their programs across the nation. To date, over 5,000 veterans have been flown in to see their memorial.
Two weeks ago, Jerry Newberry on the VFW’s radio show, “The National Defense” interviewed Jim McLaughlin, Vice President of the Honor Flight Network. During the interview, McLaughlin discussed the organization’s early years, its current success, and the current waiting list.
Morse told me that the program is so popular that there are more than 3,500 people on the waiting lists for flights.
Organizations who have helped this great cause include Dow Chemical, The SCOOTER Store, and the Virginia American Legion.
The SCOOTER Store was honored to have provided power wheelchairs and scooters to the veterans who attended in 2007. I look forward to the partnership in 2008 and beyond.
I would encourage all members of Congress to attend one of these great events. You will be truly amazed at the appreciation these WWII veterans have when members of Congress attend. For more information about next year’s schedule, send me an email.