News Summary
Rochester’s Honor Flight held a heartfelt return event for 82 veterans, marking its 91st flight. The veterans were welcomed warmly at the airport, honoring their service to the nation. Emceed by News10NBC’s Stacey Pengsen, the event recognized veterans like Deborah Ordway and Leigh Smith for their contributions. The North Star Honor Flight, a non-profit organization, aims to honor veterans from Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa, creating memorable experiences through visits to significant memorials in Washington, D.C.
Rochester’s Honor Flight returned on Sunday, celebrating its 91st flight that honored a group of local veterans. The event was marked by a warm welcome at the Rochester International Airport, where dozens of attendees gathered to greet the veterans as they returned home from their trip to Washington, D.C.
The return event was emceed by News10NBC’s Stacey Pengsen, bringing a sense of ceremony and recognition to the gathering. Among the veterans was Deborah Ordway, a retired sergeant first class in the U.S. Army and a Vietnam War veteran. Recognized for her service during the trip, she received an unexpected plaque at the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, signifying her contributions.
Another veteran honored at the event was Leigh Smith, who also served in Vietnam and later held a position as the creative services director at News10NBC. Smith expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming welcome from the community, noting that veterans did not receive such acknowledgment 55 years ago.
The North Star Honor Flight was responsible for bringing back 82 veterans from the significant journey to the nation’s capital. Veteran Myron Maker shared that the large crowd welcoming them home was a pleasant surprise. He highlighted the importance of the memorials visited, such as those dedicated to the Korean War, Vietnam, and World War II, which served as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made by veterans.
The North Star Honor Flight, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to commemorating veterans from Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa for their service. The organization relies on community donations to fund the flights, meals, and transportation for the veterans participating in the trips. Their goal is to raise sufficient funds to facilitate at least two trips for veterans each year, allowing more individuals to experience the honor of visiting the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.
This particular flight demonstrated the community’s effort to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of veterans, creating an atmosphere of respect and appreciation. Attendees at the airport not only welcomed the veterans home but also reinforced the commitment of the North Star Honor Flight to recognize and serve those who have served in the military.
The significance of the Honor Flight program extends beyond just the trip itself; it aims to heal the wounds of the past, particularly for those veterans who may not have received the recognition they deserved when they returned home from service. The memories created during these trips help bridge the gap between past and present military experiences, serving as a reminder of the enduring legacy of those who served.
As Rochester and the surrounding communities continue to support the North Star Honor Flight, the hope remains to honor and serve veterans, preserving their stories and ensuring that they are not forgotten. The overwhelming welcome at the airport exemplifies the growing appreciation for the veterans’ sacrifices, which will continue to inspire future generations.
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Additional Resources
- WHEC: Dozens Welcome Veterans Home from Honor Flight Trip
- KTTC: North Star Honor Flight Receives Welcome Home
- KAAL TV: Exclusive ABC 6 News Boards North Star Honor Flight
- 13WHAM: Honor Flight Rochester Welcomes Home Mission 89 Veterans
- Wikipedia: Honor Flight
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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