Volusia Veterans Visit Nation's Capital and Memorial in Their Honor

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman John L. Mica (R-7th District) hosted a group of more than 100 Volusia County World War II Veterans this Saturday, September 27th in Washington, D.C as part of the Honor Air program.  This was the second Honor Air group that Rep. Mica has had the honor to work with.

With a water spray salute, the charter plane carrying the Central Florida veterans arrived early Saturday morning at Ronald Reagan National Airport. Rep. Mica and a crowd of well wishers greeted the veterans as they deplaned. Flag waving admirers applauded the vets as each honoree received a poppy pin and an American flag. With a police escort, a three bus convoy departed for the World War II Memorial after the terminal greeting.

The veterans arrived at the World War II Memorial.  In the first visit for all of the World War II servicemen, it was a moving occasion.  Clearly it was an emotional moment as these heroes stood among the stone columns, fountains and pools that comprise the Memorial.  With the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol creating an imposing background, the veterans solemnly examined the memorial and read the inscriptions. 

Former U.S. Senator Bob Dole, a fellow World War II hero and a prime sponsor of the memorial, addressed the group.  He noted their shared sacrifice and expressed his appreciation to the group for their service. Senator Elizabeth Dole also greeted the group of Central Florida heroes.
                                                                             
“Our Nation’s Capital opened its arms today to a special generation of service men and women,” reflected Rep. Mica.

At a luncheon at the Library of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives Chaplain Rev. Daniel Coughlin blessed the meal and thanked the veterans for their service to our nation. The group was also addressed by officials from the Library of Congress and encouraged to share their stories through the Library's Veterans History Project which records first-hand accounts from World War I to the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In the afternoon, the Volusia veterans paid their respects at Arlington National Cemetery.  U.S. Representative John L. Mica and veterans leaders laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in a solemn tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. 

The final afternoon events included visits to the Woman in Services Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial.

As the day concluded, tired but inspired, our Central Florida veterans headed for their charter flight for home.

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