Veterans Of WWII, Korean And Vietnam Wars To Reunite At LI's American Airpower Museum

FARMINGDALE, NY — An Honor Flight Long Island Reunion of 45 veterans is scheduled for Dec. 2 at the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale.

The veterans, who served in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars, took a free Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 23. They are due to meet again soon.

"These Long Island heroes visited their military memorials, commiserated with fellow veterans
and exchanged stories," the museum wrote in a news release. "Honor Flight’s mission is to honor fellow Long Islanders who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, by providing all-expense paid one-day trips to D.C. for the Veterans."

The museum is set to open at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 2, and the reunion will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hangar 3, at 1230 New Highway. 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 11 a.m. After 11 a.m., regular museum admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, and $10 for kids 5 to 12.

"Come and cheer these Veterans during our 'Ceremony of Honors,' as they receive personalized Tribute Journals full of photos taken during their D.C. trip," the museum wrote. "This great patriotic event includes speeches by HFLI President Bill Jones and AAM President and Founder Jeff Clyman."

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Band will play a popular patriotic medley known as the "Armed Forces Salute," featuring the five official musical themes of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Free refreshments for all will be provided by Honor Flight Long Island.

Because of Honor Flight Long Island, the veterans on Sept. 29 took a free, early-morning Southwest flight from MacArthur Airport to Washington, D.C. Veterans, their guardians and Honor Flight officials visited World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for a "Changing of the Guard," the Air Force Memorial and Iwo Jima Memorial.

They returned to MacArthur later that evening for a rousing welcome home by the Saffron United Pipe Band, plus thunderous applause from hundreds of family, friends and supporters.

"This special flight included 42 Vietnam War Veterans who received long overdue recognition and thanks for their service," said Bill Jones, HFLI president, in a news release. "They were accompanied by three elder comrades, one World War II Veteran and two Korean War Veterans. What this flight really represented was a ‘Big Hug’ to all our Veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters, who make such flights possible."

Jones is a West Point 1972 graduate and U.S. Army veteran.

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 guarantee placement on the list, according to the museum. Veterans fly for free, thanks to donations from across Long Island.

They are accompanied by guardians, 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 to escort veterans to their memorials. Those with questions can call Jamie Bowden at 631-702-2423 or email JBowden@southamptontownny.gov.