Honor Flight Celebrating Central New York’s War Veterans to Take off This Weekend

Local veterans who battled in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond will be celebrated with a very special flight to Washington, D.C. this weekend.

It's called The Honor Flight. It's a nationwide initiative designed to help preserve and celebrate the memory of those who fought in America's most brutal wars.

Honor Flight Syracuse, which is organizing this week's upcoming trip for Central New York veterans, explained why this is an important event:

Honor Flight is a life-changing experience that gives our veterans the opportunity to visit the memorials in Washington, D.C., built in their honor. It’s a chance for them to reflect, remember, and feel the appreciation they so deeply deserve.

Since 2012, Honor Flight Syracuse has completed roughly 20 missions that has transported over 1,600 local veterans to Washington, D.C. for a day of reverence at absolutely no charge.

For many of these veterans, these Honor Flights have allowed them to visit the nation's capital for the very first time.

Honor Flight Syracuse's first flight of 2025 departs on Saturday, May 3, which will carry a chartered plane full of veterans that will celebrate with their fellow brothers-and-sisters-in-arms.

This year's mission will carry 66 Vietnam veterans, 10 Korean War veterans, and a veteran from World War II. In all, 82 veterans will be on board Saturday's flight.

The 82 veterans will be brought around to various landmarks and memorials to pay tribute to the lives lost over America's various wars, as well as what they have sacrificed to keep our great nation safe.

While cathartic, this experience is highly emotional and helps offer a sense of closure they've been chasing for decades.

Because of that, veterans are accompanied by non-combat companions, called guardians, to provide them a shoulder to cry on and offer support, if needed.

“Nothing is more important than showing our deep appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the veterans we serve throughout Central New York,” said Kevin Bradley, president, Honor Flight Syracuse.

Organizers have also worked to ensure a hero's welcome for when these soldiers return to Syracuse from the capital. This includes a Water Cannon landing when the plane heads back to Hancock International Airport terminal.

In addition to the cannons, family and volunteers make signs and wave flags to salute the veterans when they return home. About 1,500 family members are expected to gather and welcome these veterans when they touch back down in Syracuse.

Many veterans, especially from the Vietnam War-era, admit they didn't feel like they had the greatest homecoming when they returned from the war effort.

Community volunteers provide these veterans a proper do-over. Many past participants of these honor flights have reflected fondly on seeing throngs of people and loved ones cheering and waving flags for them.

"Our Veterans have never asked for the recognition they greatly deserve," Honor Flight Syracuse said in a statement. "[We] proudly exist to correct this omission."

Interested in Joining Honor Flight Syracuse?

Veterans living in Central and Northern New York, as well as the Mohawk Valley, are invited to fill out an application to join one of these missions, which fly out twice a year.

Priority is given to veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. "Those from any conflict with a terminal illness also have priority," the hub adds.

Said Bradley of this upcoming mission:

We are so honored and thankful for all of our volunteers, sponsors and contributors for making Mission 22 possible, and for helping us continue our mission of flying veterans to Washington, DC to receive the honor and recognition that they so rightfully deserve.

The next Honor Flight will take place on September 13, 2025.