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Welcoming WWII Veterans

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bryce Bunner
Washington D.C. --  Members of the Air Force Strings were honored to spend the morning of April 16 greeting Honor Flight veterans at National Airport (DCA). The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices. They transport war veterans to Washington, D.C., from all over the country. Top priority is given to senior veterans, mostly WWII survivors, along with other veterans who are terminally ill.

On April 16, the Air Force Strings serenaded the 28 veterans as they arrived from Dallas/Ft. Worth amid cheers from USO volunteers, family members, airport employees and enthusiastic bystanders. Thanks to the toe-tapping melodies of the Air Force Strings, the general manager of American Airlines at DCA exclaimed that out of all the honor flight arrivals he's witnessed, "This was definitely the best I've ever seen!"

The Air Force Strings, members of the Concert Band and Airmen of Note will continue to support these poignant arrivals throughout the summer. The Band will also host three live concerts on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling for honor flights in April and May. These concerts will not only welcome these honored veterans to the nation's capital, but be streamed live so their families and friends back home can participate, as well.