It’s a race against time to say thank you to veterans who served in WWII, with estimates that about 500 who served pass away every day.
Honor Flight New England – a non-profit organization that transports veterans free of charge to the nation’s capital to visit memorials dedicated in their honor – is not wasting any time.
Joe Byron, founder of the New England chapter, said the organization has transported about 1,620 veterans to Washington D.C., since the group was incepted in 2009.
“Many of them say its the best days of their life behind getting married and having children,” Byron said. “It’s emotional, some of them retell the horrific things they saw and the loved ones they lost.”
Byron is scheduled to talk about the organization and its work at the Antrim Presbyterian Church on Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m, an event that is being hosted by the Antrim-Bennington Lions Club. All are welcome.
In an interview, Byron said it is a blessing to be part of such an organization.
“It’s a blessing every second of every day to be involved in this work,” he said. “It’s beyond explanation.”
He said some of the veterans share their stories for the first time on the trip to D.C. since returning home.
“They typically share stories only with people who understand, and typically people who were in combat do understand,” Byron said.
Richard Reilly, who is a member the Lions Club, said he and his wife were in Washington D.C., a number of years ago when they happened across an honor flight event at the WWII memorial.
“To see the vets being wheeled down to the memorial and others walking, some with family members, was emotional,” Reilly said. “And then the event itself and the emotion we all felt, it was a moment my wife and I will never forget.”
He said there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Later, while at home in Antrim, Reilly said he was searching the web and came across the honor flight website. Intrigued by the organization and having witnessed the impact it can have on a veteran’s life, he reached out to the organization to schedule an event.
Reilly said it took some time, but he was finally able to book Byron to come speak in Antrim to raise awareness about the program and encourage veterans who are eligible to take part.
“While these true heroes (veterans) are still here it would seem fitting to help Joe increase awareness of his efforts,” Reilly said.
Abby Kessler can be reached at 924-7172, ext. 234 or akessler@ledgertranscript.com.