EAA AirVenture Oshkosh each year will return in 2024 as 100 Vietnam War vets will take a Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight to Washington, D.C

100 Vietnam War vets will be treated to an EAA AirVenture “Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight” to Washington, DC, for the 10th year during the USA’s largest airshow.

One of the most emotional and poignant moments during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh each year will return in 2024. This time, 100 Vietnam War veterans will participate in a Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. The flight is scheduled for July 26 as part of AirVenture’s annual salute to veterans.

These veterans will travel to the nation’s capital to tour war memorials at no cost. After the trip, they will return to Oshkosh, where they will be welcomed by thousands of people, giving them the recognition they deserve during the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA’s) annual AirVenture airshow on Friday, July 26.

This is the 9th time the flight will be operated by the non-profit Old Glory Honor Flight and it is a significant way to honor what Vietnam veterans did for the country.  Since 2009, the non-profit organization has run dozens of Honor Flights.            

What The Officials Think About The Auspicious Event

The executive director of Old Glory Honor Flight, Diane MacDonald, said,

“It’s important for our veterans to feel recognized… especially our Vietnam veterans—they never got that welcome home, they were treated poorly when they came back home. After serving their country honorably, they were told to take off their uniforms, they were met with protesters, they were spit at, they were called names, so this honor flight hopefully replaces some of those very negative experiences with one of love and appreciation from our community, and they must experience that.”

“Each Honor Flight mission is a special occasion, but the ability to be a part of EAA AirVenture always creates unforgettable moments,” MacDonald explained.

“Honoring our local Vietnam veterans out of EAA AirVenture is such a highlight; being witness to the enthusiasm, respect, and appreciation from the world’s aviation enthusiasts when the flight returns to Oshkosh is such an incredible sight to see and it means the world to the men and women who get to experience it.”      

 

On May 31, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming, Rick Larsen, shared in a statement,

“The events and emotion connected to the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight traditionally make it one of the most memorable events of AirVenture week and our Salute to Veterans activities. We are proud to produce an event that honors what Vietnam veterans did for this country and be able to provide them an experience of a lifetime.”

For the flight, American Airlines will supply the aircraft flown by an all-volunteer crew and cabin attendants.

Veterans currently on the waitlist will be invited by the Old Glory Honor Flight. Additionally, Vietnam veterans already attending AirVenture 2024 are invited to apply before June 21.

 It’s a heartwarming experience, and the aviation community comes together to show their appreciation for these heroes.