 Thursday
morning, July 29, at about 8 a.m., a special American Airlines
yellow-ribbon 737 aircraft, “Flagship Liberty,” will depart Wittman
Regional Airport with some 80 World War II veterans aboard, bound for
Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. There the veterans will
embark on a daylong tour of memorials honoring the sacrifices they made
preserving freedom.
Called an Old Glory Honor Flight, this
special trip is a joint effort by EAA, American Airlines, and the Honor
Flight Network. Veterans will visit the World War II Memorial, Iwo Jima
Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and the Vietnam Wall.
It’s one of hundreds of activities composing EAA’s weeklong “Salute
to Veterans” commemoration at AirVenture 2010.
“All of us at American Airlines are
excited to be a part of this year’s EAA AirVenture, and especially to
have the opportunity to fly some of our nation’s greatest treasures—World
War II veterans—to see their memorial in Washington, D.C.,” said
Capt. Steve Blankenship, managing director—Veterans Initiatives for
American Airlines. “It is an honor to serve the members of the ‘greatest
generation’ who have given so much for this country.”
The Old Glory Honor Flight veterans will
return to AirVenture later that day, about 6 p.m., when they will
receive a welcome home reception many did not receive after returning
from overseas more than six decades ago.
“Adding the Old Glory Honor Flight to
AirVenture is a natural fit with this year’s ‘Salute to Veterans’
theme,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman/president and AirVenture
chairman. “We are honored to partner with American Airlines and the
Honor Flight Network, giving these heroes the opportunity to see the
sites dedicated to their service and allowing them to receive the
recognition they deserve.”
Old Glory Honor Flight is the Northeast
Wisconsin hub of the Honor Flight Network, which recognizes World War II
veterans for sacrifices and achievements by providing a memorable, safe,
and rewarding tour of Washington, D.C., memorials at no cost. Additional
information on the Old Glory Honor Flight is available at www.OldGloryHonorFlight.org.
“Flagship Liberty” is scheduled to
arrive at AirVenture at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, and be staged at
AeroShell Square, where it will be available for tours throughout the
day.
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