Volusia County Veterans Historic
Visit to World War II Memorial

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With a water spray salute, the charter plane carrying over 100 Central Florida veterans arrived early Saturday morning at Ronald Reagan National Airport.  Under the Honor Air program, this is the first organized effort to send Volusia County World War II veterans to visit the National World War II Memorial. 

With a band playing, U.S. Representative John Mica and a crowd of well wishers greeted the Volusia Veterans as they deplaned.  Flag waving admirers applauded the aging vets as each honoree received a poppy pin and an American flag.  With a police escort, a three bus convoy departed for the World War II Memorial after the terminal greeting.  

The veterans arrived at the World War II Memorial.  In the first visit for all of the World War II servicemen, it was a moving occasion.  Clearly it was an emotional moment as these heroes stood among the stone columns, fountains and pools that comprise the Memorial.  With the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol creating an imposing background, the veterans solemnly examined the memorial and read the inscriptions. 

Former U.S. Senator Bob Dole, a fellow World War II hero and a prime sponsor of the memorial, addressed the group.  He noted their shared sacrifice and expressed his appreciation to the group for their service.

More than 50 volunteers later escorted the veterans for a group photo with Congressman Mica on the East Front steps of the U.S. Capitol.

At a noon luncheon at the Capitol Hill Club, the group was addressed by our nation’s Deputy Secretary of Defense, Gordon England who thanked them and recognized the group as “our greatest generation.”

In the afternoon, the Volusia veterans paid their respects at Arlington National Cemetery.  U.S. Representative John L. Mica and veterans leaders laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in a solemn tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. 

The final afternoon events included visits to the Woman in Services Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial.

As the day concluded, tired but inspired, our Central Florida veterans headed for their charter flight for home.

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