SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — A beloved tradition is about to take off again in Southampton: Honor Flight Long Island, a volunteer organization that brings veterans to Washington, D.C. to see military memorials, is resuming flights after the pandemic.
The bi-monthly flights are set to begin after a two-year hiatus. HFLI's scheduled flight on Saturday, April 29, will carry 47 United States veterans to visit memorials, meet with service branch representatives, share with other veterans and exchange stories.
“Honor Flight's mission is to honor fellow Long Islanders who have served in the United States Armed Forces to preserve our freedoms by providing free one-day trips so veterans can visit DC,” organizers said.
HFLI President Bill Jones, a 1972 West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran, said the April flight includes 38 Vietnam War veterans who will receive long overdue recognition and thanks for their service their. They will be accompanied on the flight by two World War II veterans and seven Korean War veterans.
“What this flight really represents is a 'big hug' to all of our Honor Flight veterans, their families and supporters, who make flights like this possible,” he said.
Thanks to HFLI, the 47 veterans will get a free early morning Southwest flight to Washington, DC. Departing Islip's MacArthur Airport at 6:05 a.m., veterans and their guardians will visit the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for Change of the Guard, the Air Force Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial, organizers said.
They are scheduled to return to Islip later that evening at 10:25 p.m. to a “rousing welcome” from the Nassau County Firefighters Band, applause from hundreds of families and supporters, organizers added.
HFLI accepts applications from veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Long Island veterans are encouraged to register by going to the website here.
“It is important to apply as this will ensure placement on our list,” organizers said.
Veterans fly for free, thanks to donations from across Long Island. They are accompanied by guardians, capable volunteers who donate $400, tax-deductible, to offset their travel expenses. If there is no family member to act as a guardian, Honor Flight has volunteers ready to step in and escort heroes to memorials.
For information, call Jamie Bowden at 631-702-2423 or email Jamie at JBowden@southamptontownny.gov.
