Here in the Golden Isles, we are passionate about honoring our veterans. From projects like Veterans Village to the Memorial Day “Taps at Twilight” program, our community holds the men and women who have served this country in high esteem. One of the ways that we give back and show our appreciation to those who sacrificed so much is by supporting Coastal Georgia Honor Flight.
An affiliate of the national Honor Flight Network, which began in 2005 in Springfield, Ohio, Coastal Georgia Honor Flight has been established to honor our community’s veterans for their sacrifices. Their mission is to fly heroes via private, chartered airliner, from Coastal Georgia (Camden, Glynn, McIntosh counties and others as space is available), to Washington, D.C. so that they may reflect at the national monuments dedicated to the conflicts and branches of the military in which they served. Priority is given to World War II veterans then Korean and Vietnam War survivors. Veterans who are terminally ill, from any conflict, get top priority. Our heroes travel absolutely free.
Steve Kendall
Each hero is escorted by a Guardian whose mission is to ensure their veteran has a day of honor, reflection, and gratitude. Guardians help their veterans navigate the airports, share their stories, and witness their emotions as they visit their memorials, often for the first time. Guardians are required to make a $500 contribution to partially offset the cost of the trip, meals, bus transportation, etc. Sites visited during the day trip include the World War II, Korean and Vietnam Memorials, the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, including the famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony, the Marine Corps (Iwo Jima), Air Force and Navy Memorials, as time permits.
This year’s flight from the Brunswick-Golden Isles Airport is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Veterans, Guardians, and volunteers are still needed for the flight and monetary donations and sponsorships are always welcome so every veteran who wants to have this experience can do so free of charge. Please visit coastalgeorgiahonorflight.org for more detailed information, registration forms, volunteer and giving opportunities. Participating in an Honor Flight is an incredibly moving and memorable experience. A day of camaraderie and purpose for guardians, and one of healing, closure, and recognition for their sacrifices for veterans. If you have a veteran in your family that is eligible for the flight, you are encouraged to participate.
Community members of all ages are also invited to come out to the Brunswick-Golden Isles Airport when the flight returns the evening of May 3 to welcome home our veterans with patriotic signs and fanfare. This is our way of giving them the warm and ceremonious welcome they may never have received during their time of service. Join the Coastal Georgia Honor Flight Facebook group and follow their posts for more information about the flight and schedule. Let’s show our veterans how much we appreciate all they have done for us in the service of this great nation.
