Many veterans have never been to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials built in their honor, but today a group of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans will finally get their chance.

The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization that provides free transport to our WWII and terminally ill heroes to DC to visit and reflect at their memorials. In 2010 they helped more than 22,000 veterans realize their dream of visiting their memorial!Many USO employees had the great honor of greeting them as they arrived in our nation’s capital. Along with Girl Scouts, college students and travelers, there was thunderous cheering and clapping the 99 vets entered the airport. While the Alexandria Band at NOVA played, warm smiles, handshakes and hugs were doled out. Pamela Horton of Metropolitan Washington USO said, “Many tell how surprised and moved they are by the airport welcomes.  They don’t realize that they are thought of as heroes.”

As Will Rogers said, “We can’t all be heroes. Some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.” It was an honor just to be there and honor those who served us! [slideshow] - Vyque Elessar, USO Director of New Media