Reunion Of WWII, Korean And Vietnam Veterans To Be Held On Long Island

FARMINGDALE, NY — A World War II veteran, 22 Korean War veterans, and 27 Vietnam War veterans are set to reunite. And the public is invited to honor the veterans for free at the American Airpower Museum on Dec. 3.

The museum is slated to open at 10:30 a.m. that day, and the reunion is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at AAM’s Hangar 3, at 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale.

Admission for the veterans, their guardians and families, is free. The public is also invited to attend free of charge if they arrive between 10:30 a.m. and noon. After 12 p.m., regular museum admission for adults is $15, $12 for seniors and veterans, and $10 for kids ages 5 through 12.

The public is invited to come and cheer these veterans during the museum's “Ceremony of Honors,” as they receive personalized Tribute Journals full of photos taken during their Washington, D.C. trip.

The event will feature speeches by Honor Flight Long Island President Bill Jones and AAM President and Founder Jeff Clyman. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Band will play a patriotic medley known as the “Armed Forces Salute,” featuring five official melodies of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Free refreshments will be provided by HFLI.

"Come honor Long Island’s home-grown heroes!" the museum wrote.

The veterans took an early-morning flight to Washington, D.C. together on Sept. 23, where they visited their military memorials, commiserated with fellow veterans and exchanged stories. The flight was organized by Honor Flight Long Island.

They also visited Arlington National Cemetery and the Changing of the Guard. They returned to Islip later that evening at 10:50 p.m. for a rousing welcome by the Saffron United Bagpipe Band plus thunderous applause from hundreds of family, friends and supporters.

HFLI is accepting applications from veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Long Island veterans are encouraged to sign up by going to the HFLI website. It’s important to submit an application, as that will ensure placement on their list.

Veterans fly for free thanks to donations from across Long Island. They are accompanied by guardians and able-bodied volunteers who donate $400 (tax-deductible) to offset their travel costs. If there is no family member to act as a guardian, HFLI has volunteers ready to step up for the privilege of escorting our nation's heroes to their memorials.

Those with questions can call Jamie Bowden at 631-702-2423 or by email at JBowden@southamptontownny.gov.