HEBRON, Ky. -- Dozens of Tri-State veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are getting the star treatment with an all-expenses-paid daytrip to Washington to visit their respective war memorials Tuesday.
Opening ceremonies kicked off at 6 a.m. at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport with a performance by the Pipe and Drum Corps of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, and the flight takes off at 8 a.m. with 72 veterans on board.
The day includes free airfare, bus tour, meals, a T-shirt and a volunteer guardian for any veteran age 65 and older. World War II veterans receive top priority.
The public is invited to welcome the veterans home with a ceremony at the airport at 10:30 p.m.
First Tri-State Honor Flight of the yr happening this morning! The 70 vets & guardians take off for DC at 8. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/cUYIetkpRs
— Kristen Swilley (@KristenSwilley) April 19, 2016
Guardians can be family members age 18 to 64, but spouses are not allowed. Guardians are interested patriotic citizens who would like to escort these veterans to see their memorials at their own expense. The guardian fee for 2016 is $450.
Additional honor flights are scheduled for Aug. 30, Sept. 20 and Oct. 25. The first flight of the year was April 19. Call (513) 277-9626 for an application, or apply online at the Honor Flight website.
