EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — One of the most emotional and poignant moments of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh each year will return in 2024 as 100 Vietnam War vets take a Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on July 26 as part of AirVenture’s annual salute to veterans.
The 71st annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in is July 22-28, 2024, at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh.
Veterans from the Vietnam War will be honored as they travel to the nation’s capital to tour war memorials at no cost to them. The veterans will return to Oshkosh at the conclusion of the Friday afternoon air show and thousands of people will welcome them back home and give them the recognition they deserve, Experimental Aircraft Association officials said.
“The events and emotion connected to the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight traditionally makes it one of the most memorable events of AirVenture week and our Salute to Veterans activities,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming. “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.”
This is the 10th year that the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight has originated at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh under the auspices of Old Glory Honor Flight of Appleton, Wisconsin. The non-profit organization has organized dozens of Honor Flights since 2009 with a group of volunteers. Those flights have included special flights to Pearl Harbor and to Vietnam.
“Each Honor Flight mission is a special occasion, but the ability to be a part of EAA AirVenture always creates unforgettable moments,” said Diane MacDonald, the executive director of Old Glory Honor Flight. “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.”
American Airlines is again supplying an aircraft for the flight, which is flown by an all-volunteer crew of American Airlines pilots and cabin attendants.
Old Glory Honor Flight will be inviting veterans who are currently on their waitlist. In addition, other Vietnam veterans who are already attending AirVenture 2024 are invited to apply prior to June 21 for a drawing for one of 15 seats available on the flight.
For more information: App.Smartsheet.com, EAA.org