Blog
Jan.
03
Daily Point of Light #4411, Volusia Honor Air
Posted by Points of Light Institute
Category:
What is the greatest gift that you can give to veterans of the “greatest generation?” Often, just a heartfelt thanks.
Volunteers of the Volusia Honor Air are trying to deliver a gift of thanks to former service members in the Daytona Beach area by ensuring that every World War II veteran has the opportunity to see the National Word War II Memorial.
The Memorial opened to the public in April 2004 at a time when WWII veterans were passing away at a rate of more than 1,000 per day. Many never lived to see the monument erected in their honor.
Three Rotary Clubs in DeLand, Florida joined together to organize the first Volusia Honor Air flight in 2008. Since then, the group has been making two trips a year, each time taking about 100 veterans an on an all-expenses paid, whirlwind trip to the nations’ capital.
In a 16 hour day the veterans fly up to Washington D. C., visit the WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and Vietnam Wall and the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington. They are also treated to a luncheon at the Library of Congress. Total trip expenses are estimated to be $75,000. The veterans pay nothing.
This generous gift of gratitude is made possible through the efforts and contributions of countless volunteers. The veterans are greeted at the airport by well wishers and they are honored throughout the day with a an honor salute by law enforcement officers, a water canon salute by the airport fire department, greetings from Congressmen and a police escort throughout Washington D.C. The day is capped off with a jitterbug and live band music at the departure gate on the flight home to Florida.
“I just spent one of the finest days of my life,” wrote Retired USCG Senior Chief Petty Officer Russell Macomber, following his trip with Volusia Honor Air in September 2008. “Your organization made a dream come true. You should really be proud of how you made a bunch of veterans feel.”
Mr. Macomber passed away less than a year after his trip, but because of Volusia Honor Air, he saw the National World War II Memorial.