Vietnam And Korean War Veterans To Reunite At LI's American Airpower Museum

FARMINGDALE, NY — In October, 46 veterans took a free Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. On Dec. 14, they are set to meet again at the American Airpower Museum's Honor Flight Long Island Reunion, the museum announced.

"These Long Island heroes visited their military memorials, commiserated with fellow veterans and exchanged stories," the museum wrote in a news release. "Honor Flight’s mission is to honor fellow Long Islanders who served in the Armed Forces of the United States by providing all-expense paid one-day trips to D.C. for our veterans."

Honor Flight Long Island helped the veterans take a free, early-morning Southwest flight from MacArthur Airport to Washington, D.C. on Oct. 5. Veterans, their guardians, and Honor Flight officials visited World War II, Korean War and Vietnam memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for a "Changing of the Guard," the Air Force Memorial and Iwo Jima Memorial. They returned to MacArthur later that evening for a rousing welcome home by the Saffron United Pipe Band, plus thunderous applause from hundreds of family, friends and supporters, according to the museum.

"This special flight included 43 Vietnam War Veterans who received long overdue recognition and thanks for their service," Bill Jones, HFLI president, said in a news release. "They were accompanied by elder comrades, three Korean War Veterans. What this flight really represented was a 'Big Hug' to all our veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters, who make such flights possible."

Jones is a West Point 1972 Graduate and U.S. Army Veteran.

The reunion is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the American Airpower Museum's Hangar 3, at 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale.

Admission for the veterans, their guardians and families, is free. The public can attend free of charge if they arrive between noon and 1 p.m. For more details call 631-293-6398, Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or visit the American Airpower Museum's website.

"Come and cheer these veterans during the 'Ceremony of Honors,' as they receive personalized tribute journals full of photos taken during their D.C. trip," the museum stated. "This great patriotic event includes speeches by HFLI President Bill Jones and AAM 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 provided by HFLI.

HFLI 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," the museum stated.

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 guardian, HFLI has volunteers ready to step up for the privilege of escorting our heroes to their memorials. Questions? Call Jamie Bowden at 631- 702-2423 or JBowden@southamptontownny.gov."