Honor Flight: The Greatest Generation’s Last Wish

Ericka Andersen / May 17, 2011

Earlier this year, the last veteran of World War I died at the age of 110. It’s hard to believe, but in the coming years, most of America’s World War II veterans will be gone as well. The Honor Flight Network exists to grant them one last wish and final honor before they go. The program transports World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., free of charge to see the National World War II Memorial for the first—and likely—last time.

Earl Morse—a retired air force captain and pilot—got the idea for Honor Flight about seven years ago. He took care of veterans, and after hearing some of them convey disappointment that they would never see the memorial, he volunteered his flight services to a few men free of charge. The overwhelming appreciation they expressed at this no-cost opportunity was the inspiration for the Honor Flight Network. (more…)