News Summary
Clarksburg celebrated the return of 14 veterans after an emotionally charged Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Organized by Honor Flight North Central West Virginia, the veterans had the chance to visit significant landmarks dedicated to their service. The event, which included a pinning ceremony, highlighted the community’s appreciation for Vietnam and Korean War veterans. This year’s flight was particularly meaningful as the program continues to provide vital recognition for service members who often faced challenges upon their return home.
Clarksburg recently celebrated the return of 14 veterans, including 13 from the Vietnam War and 1 from the Korean War, following an emotional Honor Flight to Washington D.C. The flight was organized by Honor Flight North Central West Virginia, giving these veterans the opportunity to visit significant landmarks and memorials dedicated to their service. This year’s event marked a heartfelt homecoming for veterans who often faced challenges upon returning from their respective wars.
The group departed from the Clarksburg Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post on a Friday and spent the entire next day exploring the capital. On their visit, the veterans toured iconic sites such as the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Monument. The experience allowed the veterans not only to reflect on their service but also to receive recognition for their sacrifices during their active duty.
Upon their return, the veterans were greeted with open arms by community members and fellow veterans. A pinning ceremony was held where each veteran received a commemorative pin as a way to honor their service, signifying the community’s appreciation and respect. Billie Jo Claypool, the coordinator for Honor Flight North Central West Virginia, highlighted that all veterans deserve the chance to visit the monuments that honor their sacrifices. The Honor Flight initiative serves a particularly vital purpose for Vietnam War veterans, who historically encountered difficulties when returning home.
This event was the fifth or sixth Honor Flight organized in Clarksburg, aiming to provide a welcoming atmosphere for all veterans. The experience is deeply emotional, with veteran guardians accompanying each participant to foster camaraderie and assist with their needs throughout the trip. One veteran who took on the role of guardian this year, having experienced the flight as a veteran last year, underscored the importance of acknowledging and welcoming home service members.
Ronald Eagle, the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 573, expressed the significance of the Honor Flight, stating that it acts as a meaningful welcome home for those who served. The experience of Honor Flights starkly contrasts the treatment that many veterans endured upon their initial returns from their respective combat zones. Nancy Valentine, the VFW Quartermaster, reflected on the importance of the event from both a personal and communal perspective.
For this year’s Honor Flight, organizers opted for a bus trip rather than a plane ride, allowing the veterans more time to fully appreciate each monument without feeling rushed. The Clarksburg Honor Flight is currently the only program in West Virginia, especially significant after similar programs in Huntington were discontinued. Following this year’s successful flight, arrangements have already begun for another trip, scheduled for April 2026.
The event received extensive community support, as numerous well-wishers lined the streets to welcome the veterans back home. Volunteers, including children from the community, assisted during the ceremony and provided refreshments for the returned veterans, further underscoring the event’s community spirit. The organizers rely entirely on fundraising efforts to finance the Honor Flight program, with the costs rising significantly from $85,000 to around $165,000 for flights post-COVID. Donations for future Honor Flights can be made directly to the Clarksburg Honor Flight office to help ensure that more veterans can experience this heartfelt celebration of their service and sacrifices.
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HERE Resources
Maine Veterans Receive Heartwarming Welcome Home
Additional Resources
- WV News: Veterans Return to Clarksburg
- Wikipedia: Veterans’ (U.S.)
- WDTV: Veterans Return Free Trip Washington D.C.
- Google Search: Veterans Honor Flight
- WBOY: New West Virginia Honor Flight
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Honor Flight
- The Inter-Mountain: Honoring Veterans
- Google News: Honor Flight
- WDTV: Clarksburg Honor Flight
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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