CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KWWL) — Eighty-eight native veterans are in Washington, D.C. Tuesday as part of the Jap Iowa Honor Flight.
Veterans took off Tuesday morning from the Jap Iowa Airport, and whereas in D.C., they’re visiting a variety of historic websites, beginning with the presentation of colours on the World Struggle II memorial.
Senator Chuck Grassley stopped by to fulfill the veterans, who additionally met with the silent drill workforce on the Lincoln Memorial. Lastly, they walked by way of the FDR memorial.
There are over 800 veterans on the waitlist for the consideration flights, after the pandemic compelled organizers to postpone.
“Our waitlist grows every single day. We’re up round 800 who’re on the waitlist proper now,” Charles Ross for the Honor Flights mentioned. “And the unlucky a part of the truth of it’s with COVID or not. We at all times lose a number of elements on the waitlist, it occurs. It is unlucky, nevertheless it occurs as a result of so we’re gonna strive our darndest to get as many as we are able to right here as quickly as we are able to.”
Veterans will finish the day on the Arlington Nationwide Cemetery for a particular wreath dedication.
Folks may also help welcome them residence on the Jap Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids between 8:30 and 9 p.m. Parking is free for the night time.
“Our mission is to make the day one they’ll always remember,” Jap Iowa Honor Flight Vice President, Jason Brandon mentioned. “We take nice delight in making certain all veterans have, not solely the chance to journey to Washington DC, but in addition obtain a correct welcome residence.”