Honoring America’s Veterans

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Posted by: LT Connie Braesch

Adm. Bobb Papp talks with veterans

WASHINGTON - Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp, Jr. speaks to a group of more than 100 Veterans at a recognition luncheon today as part of the Honor Flight Program that began in May of 2005. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Telfair H. Brown, Sr.

“Today provides us the opportunity to reflect upon and honor your service – as well as the service of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. You defended our freedoms, and protected our ideals. We must never forget – and never let our children forget that freedom is not free.” – Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Bob Papp

Admiral Bob Papp

WASHINGTON - Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp, Jr. speaks to a group of more than 100 Veterans at a recognition luncheon today as part of the Honor Flight Program that began in May of 2005. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Telfair H. Brown, Sr.

Yesterday, Adm. Papp visited with the more than 100 World War II veterans and their escorts from Central Florida who visited the nation’s capital on the Volusia Honor Air Flight.

The Honor Flight Network – a federal nonprofit organization that transports America’s veterans from all over the nation to Washington, D.C., – brings our war heroes to visit memorials dedicated in honor of their service and sacrifices. Many, if not all, of the veterans who visit the memorials are doing so for the first time and may have never had an opportunity if not for the Honor Flight program.

“Since America felt it was important to build a memorial to the service and the ultimate sacrifice of her veterans, the Honor Flight Network believes it’s equally important that they actually get to visit and experience THEIR memorial.”

This is the philosophy behind the Honor Flight Network’s service, which is provided free to our veterans. What started in May 2005 with the transport of 12 veterans on six small planes has transitioned into commercial airline carriers transporting 17,832 veterans in 2009.

Honor Flight Network

The World War II veterans on the Volusia Honor Air Flight visited the National World War II Memorial along with other national landmarks including lunch in the Montpelier Room at the Library of Congress.

“On behalf of the men and woman currently serving in the armed forces, thank you. Now it’s our duty – our responsibility to safely pass along your story – and continue in your footsteps defending our freedom,” said Papp.

Also participating in yesterday’s welcoming ceremony was Mrs. Patricia Mica, wife of Congressman John Mica (R-7th/FL); Congresswoman Susanne Kosmas (D-24th/FL); and Congressman Steven Buyer (R-4th/IN). Mrs. Mica is also the sponsor of CGC Alligator, out of St. Petersburg, Fla.

To find out more about the Honor Flight Network, click here.

Tags: , , ,

  • Kurt Jahnke

    “The Guardian Ethos”
    I am America’s Maritime Guardian

    I Serve the citizens of the United States.
    I will protect them,
    I will defend them,
    I will save them,
    I am their shield.
    For them I am “Semper Paratus!”
    I live the Coast Guard Core Values.

    I am a Guardian.

    We are the United States Coast Guard!

    LCDR Kurt Jahnke, USCGR (Ret-2)
    32 years Reserve & Active duty
    Mustang!

  • James Kellogg

    I’ve had the outstanding honor and privilege to thank the veterans personally with the Honor Flight Network and I’ll tell you what just to see their smiles and their expressions when they exit those planes it makes everytime I’m with them worthwhile and an experience I’ll never forget. As long as I live their sacrifices will never be forgotten. They’ll always be in my heart and I’ll always love each and every one of them.

  • http://www.militaryspot.com Brandi

    This is an outstanding program for the memorial and honor of the Veterans that have served our country. For them to be able to be recognized and honored, is such a wonderful gift to them. The Honor Flight Network is such a great organization. Thank you for all you have done.