Honoring Veterans

I often have the great privilege and honor of meeting with many Iowa veterans through the Honor Flight programs.  The Honor Flight programs provide free, safe and memorable trips to Washington, D.C. to view memorials.  Preference is given to older or terminally ill veterans, meaning the majority of veterans who I meet served in WWII.  It's humbling to watch these brave Iowans view the WWII Memorial, many for the first and only time in their lives.  They sacrificed so much to ensure our freedom and the WWII Memorial truly belongs to them.

These trips mean that Iowa’s Honor Flight veterans and their guardians – the volunteers who accompany the veterans, often family members – are able to take photos in front of the Iowa pillar of the WWII Memorial, connect with other veterans, and meet their lawmakers.  I encourage anyone who knows a veteran to get more information on the  Honor Flight programs and help these heroes take advantage of the opportunities to see their memorial.

Veterans risked their lives and sacrificed greatly to protect us and our way of life.  The Honor Flight programs are one small way we can give back to these men and women.  If you’d like to learn more about the Honor Flight program, please visit http://www.honorflight.org.  In the U.S. Senate, I will continue to fight for veterans.