Honor Flight Long Island Takes Wing After Pandemic Pause

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A beloved tradition is set to once again take wing in Southampton: Honor Flight Long Island, a volunteer-run organization that brings veterans to Washington, DC to see military memorials, is resuming flights after the pandemic.

The bi-annual flights are set to commence after a two-year pause. HFLI's scheduled flight on Saturday, April 29, will take 47 United States veterans to visit memorials, meet with service branch representatives, share with fellow veterans and exchange stories.

"Honor Flight’s mission is to honor fellow Long Islanders who served in the United States Armed Forces to preserve our freedoms, by providing free, one-day trips, so veterans can visit DC," organizers said.

Bill Jones, HFLI President, West Point 1972 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. They’ll 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 our veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters, who make such flights possible," he said.

Thanks to HFLI, the 47 veterans will take a free, early-morning Southwest flight to Washington, DC. Departing from Islip's MacArthur Airport at 6:05 a.m., veterans and their guardians will visit World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for a Changing of the Guard, the Air Force Memorial and Iwo Jima Memorial, organizers said.

They are slated to return to Islip later that evening at 10:25 p.m. for a "rousing welcome" by the Nassau County Firefighters' Pipe and Drum Band, applause from hundreds of family and supporters, organizers added.

HFLI is currently accepting applications from Veterans of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. Long Island Veterans are encouraged to sign up by going to the website here.

"It’s important to submit an application, as that will ensure placement on our list," organizers said.

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, Honor Flight has volunteers ready to step up and escort heroes to the memorials.

For information, call Jamie Bowden at 631-702-2423 or by emailing Jamie at JBowden@southamptontownny.gov.