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Press Release

For Immediate Release
May 7, 2008
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
(202) 225-3761

Upton to Welcome Nearly 2 Dozen SW Michigan WWII Vets to Nation’s Capital Tomorrow
Veterans are in town for the day on honor flight to visit WWII Memorial – Upton will greet the veterans on the steps of the U.S. Capitol before the group embarks for the memorial

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), the son of a WWII veteran, tomorrow will welcome nearly two dozen World War II veterans from Sturgis participating in an “honor flight” to the nation’s capital.  Residents of Sturgis and surrounding communities teamed up with Riley Aviation to enable local members of the “Greatest Generation” to travel to Washington for the day to visit the newly erected World War II Memorial on the National Mall.  Upon arriving tomorrow morning, the group will caravan to Capitol Hill where Upton will visit with the vets on the steps of the U.S. Capitol before they head to the nearby WWII Memorial. 

“I commend the residents of Sturgis and surrounding communities for opening their hearts and their wallets to make tomorrow’s honor flight a reality,” said Upton.  “Nearly six decades ago in the prime of their youth, these veterans put their lives on hold and left loved ones behind to fight for the survival of democracy.  It is a privilege to welcome Michigan’s true heroes to Washington tomorrow.  These brave veterans all truly personify the ‘Greatest Generation’ and we are all grateful for their service.”

Since the memorial’s dedication in 2004, honor flights have become an increasingly popular opportunity for veterans across the country to visit the memorial with their brethren and remember their collective experiences.  Typically, members of the community raise funds to cover the expenses of the trip for the local veterans.  Honor flights also serve as a chance for the public to pay tribute and express gratitude for the many sacrifices made by local veterans.

Tomorrow’s honor flight will be provided at no cost to the WWII vets.  They will travel in several privately owned planes, landing in Leesburg, VA and then traveling by van to the nation’s capital.  In addition to a benefit fish fry held May 2nd at the Sturgis Elks Club, funds to pay for the honor flight were raised by private donations.  Many of the volunteers, including the pilots, are employees of Riley Aviation. 

The Sturgis honor flight coincides with the 10th Annual National Military Appreciation Month.

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