Juneteenth Honor Flight recognized Black veterans

Honor Flight Network hosted dozens of African American veterans from the Atlanta area on a trip to Washington, D.C. on Juneteenth where they visited national war memorials that were built to commemorate their service and sacrifice.

The veterans were immersed in a day of honor to experience the war monuments alongside their comrades. Among the group were a 101-year-old veteran, three Purple Heart recipients, one of whom is also a Bronze Star recipient, and four women veterans.

“African American veterans had to battle various limits placed on them by society, while also battling our wartime enemies and defending our nation,” said John McCaskill, Honor Flight Network board member and Civil War and American historian and military educator. “The Juneteenth Honor Flight trip underscored the incredible strength and valor of our Black veterans. It was a tangible, meaningful show of gratitude for their remarkable service to our nation.”

Formed in 2005, Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit with a mission of celebrating the nation’s veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at the memorials in Washington, D.C. Since 2005, Honor Flight Network has given nearly 300,000 veterans across the country the experience of visiting the war memorials.

“America’s Black veterans selflessly served during some of America’s most pivotal wars, and it is important for us to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of our nation,” said Meredith Rosenbeck, Honor Flight Network chief executive officer. “This trip impacted these veterans in beautiful, emotional and unexpected ways, and they now have a renewed sense of pride, reminded by a grateful nation of the remarkable difference they made with their service and sacrifice.”

Honor Flight Network coordinates the travel of approximately 22,000 veterans from around the country each year with the help of volunteers and generous partners. All honored veterans travel at no cost to them.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .