Recent Honor Flight includes Arlington wreath ceremony

Honor Flight of the Ozarks wrapped up a successful and meaningful 2024 flight season with a flight to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, October 16. Eighty-one Missouri and Arkansas veterans were on board, including eight from the Korean conflict and 73 from Vietnam, along with a companion for each veteran and a team of dedicated volunteers including medical staff.

This flight was made extra meaningful as the veterans on this trip were invited to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Theresa Suda, a board member of Honor Flight of the Ozarks who owns Rose Among Thorns flower shop in Springfield, made the wreath and carried it on the plane to Washington. Flight Coordinator David Snider said participation in this ceremony is an honor; the Ozarks group submitted their request last February, resulting in being approved for the October flight. 

Honor Flight of the Ozarks is currently planning the 2025 flight season, with mission dates to be finalized and announced soon. Visit www.honorflightoftheozarks.org for information about nominating a veteran to participate, serving as a volunteer, or donating to help make sure every veteran is able to participate at no charge; guardians/companions pay $500. Any honorably discharged veteran who served during World War II, Korea, the Vietnam era, or the Gulf War era is eligible. You’ll also find information about special fundraising events throughout the season. 

For many veterans, these flights are the acknowledgement of their sacrifice and courage that some never received upon returning home. For others, it is a welcome reminder that a grateful nation still appreciates them; and their gratitude and pride are evident as they re-enter the airport lobby to applause and ceremony after a full day.  

“The thing I notice time after time are the returning veterans’ eyes,” said David McAllister, USN (Ret.), who serves as the American Flag Bearer on the Color Guard provided by Veterans of the Ozarks for the Honor Flights. “Although they are at the end of a grueling 20-plus hour day, as I stand at attention presenting our great flag for them, there is this special radiant light, so intense it cannot be extinguished. It’s the light of patriotism and pride for a job well done long ago that continues on into today.” 

The flights can also be an important educational opportunity, as families pass on to children and grandchildren the legacy of courage and pride in their loved ones’ service and American values and principles worth fighting for. Thank you to all who help support our veteran heroes!