News

Korean War veterans to board HonorFlight

By Bill Moss, Published: September 17, 2016

Blue Ridge Honor Flight Founder Jeff Miller launched a program in the summer of 2006 to fly veterans to Washington to see the National World War II Memorial. The first flight took off on Sept. 23, 2006.
More than 200,000 veterans later, the program that spread nationwide will celebrate its 10th anniversary and fly 102 veterans from Buncombe and Henderson counties to Washington, this time with Korean War veterans on board along with WWII veterans.
The Korean War, sometimes referred to as “the forgotten war,” will be remembered by 68 Korean War veterans who are making the trip.
“This day is all about the veterans,” Miller says.
The itinerary includes the WWII Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The veterans will see the changing of the guard and wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Amphitheater. There will also be a wreath laying ceremony at the Korean Veteran Memorial. During lunch the group will be driven around on buses for a guided tour of D.C. Then it’s on to the Marine Corps Memorial and Air Force Memorial before driving by the Pentagon.
The Transportation Security Administration allows veterans and guardians to go through expedited security at both the Asheville Regional Airport and Reagan National Airport in Washington.
A few guardians will be making their second or third Honor Flight trip but for most the trip will be a new experience.