74 Veterans to Take Honor Flight

Some were prisoners of war who survived the Bataan Death March. Others were ground personnel, pilots or crew members.

In all, 74 aging World War II veterans from the Tampa Bay area are taking a whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C., to see the National World War II Memorial as part of the latest Honor Flight.

The veterans fly from St. Petersburg·Clearwater International Airport on a trip organized by Honor Flight of West Central Florida and funded by private donations at 5 a.m. Tuesday.

All expenses are covered for the veterans, and there will be volunteers to help them. Many of these men and women are now in their 80s and 90s, with some requiring wheelchairs. The oldest veteran on this Honor Flight is 94. 

In addition to the World War II Memorial, veterans will tour the Air Force and Navy Memorial, Pentagon, Jefferson Memorial, Federal Buildings and Capitol. They also will visit the Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials.

The public can come to a welcome home parade scheduled for 8:20 p.m. Tuesday at St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport.