News Summary
Over 200 local veterans experienced a heartfelt journey on the annual ND/MN Honor Flight to Washington D.C. The trip, filled with emotional moments and commemorative ceremonies, allowed veterans to visit memorials and share their stories. Participants reflected on their service and the shift in public perception since their return, portraying a strong sense of community support for their sacrifices. This event not only honored their past but also strengthened connections between veterans and the communities they proudly served.
More than 200 veterans from the local area participated in the annual ND/MN Honor Flight to Washington D.C., a significant event dedicated to honoring their sacrifices. The flight marked a long-awaited journey for these veterans, who were greeted warmly upon arrival at the airport by a commemorative bell ringer. This emotional event highlighted the importance of recognizing the service of veterans from diverse backgrounds.
Among the participants was Wayne Wermager, a four-year United States Navy veteran stationed in Vietnam, who found joy in the opportunity to embark on this trip. Wermager described the experience as a “coming home” and reflected on its significance, stating it fulfilled what he had heard from other veterans who had made similar journeys. The trip allowed veterans to visit various memorials and monuments that honor their sacrifices, providing them a chance to connect with their history.
Organizers and volunteers were well-prepared for a range of emotions that the veterans may experience during the trip. Post Chaplain Marc Simonet emphasized the importance of offering support throughout this healing and sometimes challenging experience. He noted that the journey encourages veterans to share their feelings about their service and highlighted the value of ensuring they receive a positive experience, particularly considering that many veterans faced negative receptions when they returned home from service.
Connecting with Other Veterans
In San Diego, a similar three-day trip organized by Honor Flight San Diego saw 90 veterans return home to a celebratory atmosphere at the airport, where they were greeted by enthusiastic crowds. This positive reception stood in stark contrast to the experiences of many Vietnam veterans who did not receive the same support upon returning home. Family members like Sharon Faurot, the wife of a Vietnam veteran, have stressed the sacrifices veterans and their families endure and the importance of acknowledging their contributions.
Reflections on Service
Harold Faurot, who served on the Apollo pickup crew during the Vietnam War, recalled lacking a warm welcome upon his return, with support coming primarily from his family. In contrast, today’s veterans are showered with cheers and signs from communities, showcasing the shift in public perception and support for those who have served.
The Honor Flight program, which operates solely through donations and volunteer efforts, underscores the community support available for veterans. Notably, on a similar note, 63 veterans from Connecticut embarked on their own journey to Washington D.C. as part of the Fall 2025 Honor Flight. These veterans represented five branches of the Armed Forces, demonstrating the broad spectrum of service members participating in these commemorative flights.
Stories Worth Sharing
Veterans from various eras shared their sentiments about the honor of participating in the trip. Clarence Papanic, a veteran from 1948, expressed his happiness to join the flight, while Navy Veteran Joe Cozza, who served in 1966, spoke about the vital importance of responding to the nation’s call to action. Dan Sparks from Honor Flight Connecticut lauded the participating veterans as the “truest version of the word patriot.” He emphasized the necessity of passing on their stories to future generations, ensuring that the sacrifices and experiences of these veterans are not forgotten.
Ultimately, the annual Honor Flight serves as a profound reminder of the bravery and dedication of the men and women who served in the nation’s armed forces. The emotional journeys taken by these veterans not only honor their past but also bridge connections with the communities they protected.
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
