'Heroes':Vietnam, Korean War Veterans To Reunite At Long Island's American Airpower Museum

FARMINGDALE, NY — The 45 veterans who took a free flight to Washington, D.C. on May 3 are set to reunite on Aug. 2, the American Airpower Museum and Honor Flight Long Island announced.

"These Long Island heroes visited their military memorials, commiserated with fellow veterans and exchanged stories," the American Airpower Museum stated. Honor Flight’s mission is to honor fellow Long Islanders who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, by honoring them with free, one-day trips to D.C.

Thanks to Honor Flight Long Island, the veterans took a free, early-morning Southwest flight from MacArthur Airport to Washington, D.C. Veterans, their guardians and Honor Flight officials visited Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for a "Changing of the Guard," the Air Force Memorial and Lincoln Memorial.

They returned to MacArthur later that evening for a rousing welcome home by the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums Band, as well as thunderous applause from hundreds of family, friends and supporters.

"Our Spring Flight included 31 Vietnam War veterans who received long overdue recognition and thanks for their service," said Southampton veteran Bill Jones, HFLI president, West Point 1972 graduate and U.S. Army captain. "They were accompanied on this flight by 14 elder comrades, veterans of the so-called 'forgotten conflict,' the Korean War. What this flight really represented was a 'Big Hug' and 'Thanks For Your Service' to ALL our veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters, who make such flights possible," Jones said.

On Aug. 2, the museum is slated to open at 10:30 a.m. and the reunion is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at AAM’s Hangar 3, at 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale.

Admission for the veterans, their guardians and families, is free. The public is encouraged to attend, applaud and cheer the veterans during a "Ceremony of Honors," as each will be presented with a personalized Tribute Journal full of photos taken during their historic day in Washington, D.C. The public can attend free OF charge if they arrive between 10:30 a.m. and noon.

After 12 p.m., regular museum admission is free for members, $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and veterans and $12 for children ages 3-12. For more details, people may call 631-293-6398, Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit the American Airpower Museum website.

The event will include speeches by Jones and American Airpower Museum president and founder Jeff Clyman. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Band will play a popular patriotic medley known as the "Armed Forces Salute," featuring the six official musical themes of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. Free refreshments for all will be provided by Honor Flight Long Island.

Honor Flight Long Island is accepting applications from veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Long Island veterans are encouraged to sign up by going to the HFLI website. It’s important to submit an application, as that will guarantee placement on the list. Veterans fly for free, thanks to donations from across Long Island. They are accompanied by guardians, able-bodied volunteers who donate $400 (tax deductible) to offset their travel costs. If there is no family member or friend to act as a guardian, HFLI has volunteers ready to step up for the privilege of escorting veterans to their memorials. People with questions may call Jamie Bowden at 631-702-2423 or email JBowden@southamptontownny.gov.