Barack Obama surprised 79 veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars on a special Honor Flight program flight to Washington. As he came aboard, he greeted the veterans and thanked them for their service, handing them a Presidential Challenge Coin as a symbol of personal recognition. Some veterans were incredulous and moved by the former president’s presence.
The nonprofit Honor Flight program offers free flights to veterans to visit monuments in the Washington area. Initially created for veterans of World War II, it has expanded to also include those from Korea, Vietnam and other military services. Veteran Joe Parr confessed that he couldn’t believe the honor, feeling emotional about the moment. Over 20 years, the program has transported more than 317,000 veterans to the United States’ capital.
