South Plains Honor Flight begins trip with hero’s welcome in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KCBD) – The second 2024 Texas South Plains Honor Flight spent its first day in the nation’s capital with visits to the WWII, Air Force and 9/11 Pentagon Memorials.

Prior to its arrival in Washington, D.C. the flight boarded the plane in Lubbock through an honor guard made up of various law enforcement and military members.

The flight of 83 Vietnam Veterans and three Korean War Veterans were surprised by mail from family, friends and grateful Americans on board the flight to Dulles International Airport.

Upon landing at Dulles, the group got another surprise, a crowd of at least 100 strangers who held signs, cheered and applauded as they exited the airport to board three buses.

Those buses took the veterans to the first wreath laying of the October Honor Flight trip at the World War II Memorial. It was placed at the Wall of Stars by Korean War veteran Lowell Caddell, the flight’s oldest veteran at 94. He was brought to tears by the ceremony, saying it was the greatest honor.

From there, the flight placed its second wreath at the Air Force Memorial, led by veterans Neal Pipkin and Don Davis. Pipkin said it was a sobering moment, remembering those he served with who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A visit to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial was the final stop on the first day of the flight.

Veterans will observe the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier inside Arlington National Cemetery to begin the second day on Sunday.

The Texas South Plains Honor Flight is an all-expenses paid trip for veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the monuments, memorials and museums built in honor of their service and sacrifice.

If you would like to learn more, apply, volunteer or donate, click here. Watch KCBD NewsChannel 11 on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, for the Texas South Plains Honor Flight Telethon, including stories from this October flight.

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