BEDFORD, Va. ( WFXR ) – The Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight returned to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford on Sunday after an emotionally powerful three days touring war memorials in Washington D.C. and Arlington, Virginia.
Each stop during the trip held its special value for each of the 15 veterans, but the period of reflection held at the end of the trip brought everything together.
“It has been an adventure,” said Shelvie Wood, the first Virginia woman to be named U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant.
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“It’s been the most pleasurable thing of my life,” said Vietnam veteran Gary Switzer.
Honor Flight president and CEO Martin Leamy asks participants to share their favorite memories after each Honor Flight.
“What was their ‘it?’” he said. “What was the most meaningful thing that they’re taking home with them?”
The veterans responded with powerful messages about what the trip meant to each of them.