The Long Island chapter of Honor Flight gives veterans an unforgettable experience by bringing them to Washington D.C. to see major monuments for nearly 20 years.
I had the privilege of going on the May 2nd Long Island Honor Flight, out of MacArthur Airport, with my grandfather, Larry Pagnoni.
The organization takes veterans on a free trip to memorials of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. They also have the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery and view the changing of the guard.
“When you’re called upon your country to serve, you do it with honor. And you do it with dignity. And you hope that what you do for your country will be appreciated,” said 99-year-old World War II and Korean War veteran Bert Jablon.
Honor Flight has flown more than 300,000 courageous men and women to see the memorials at our nation’s capital. Although originally focused on WWII veterans, the program is open to Korean War and Vietnam War heroes, according to honorflight.org.
“I could not put into words how much I felt about those of my soldiers and airmen and Navy people who went to battle not knowing how they were gonna come out. And they did it and they served as well as they could and as brave as they could,” said Jablon.
Volunteers called “guardians” also have the privilege of spending the entire day with veterans. Whether meeting for the first time, or attending as a family member or friend, it is an opportunity to spend a day with an American hero.
“I really enjoyed seeing all the monuments that I saw. My favorite was the Vietnam Wall [out] of all the ones we saw. […] This May 2nd was a very rememorable day for me and I’m so glad I did go on the Honor Flight to the memorials […],” said Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Larry Pagnoni.
In addition to visiting the monuments, veterans have quite a few surprises throughout the day-long journey including a traditional “mail call,” when veterans receive letters from loved ones and those thankful for their service. Perhaps the most incredible part is the wisdom and life lessons that the veterans have to share.
“I would just say, from being in the Army and the rest of my life, just do what you think is right. Don’t do what you know is wrong. And you should […] be grateful that people volunteered and served their country by being in the military,” said Pagnoni.◼️
