U.P. Honor Flight heads to Washington D.C.

A group of about 80 U.P. veterans will mark the first day of National Military Appreciation Month by being honored for their duty today.  The group will have the trip of a lifetime today as they take part in the U.P. Honor Flight.  The one-day round-trip visit from Escanaba to Washington, D.C.  is provided at no cost to the veterans.

The trip is being chronicled by ABC 10 News Reporter Rick Tarsitano. Tune in to ABC 10 News Now at 5:30 and 11 p.m. for an update as the veterans and a personal guardian visit landmarks and memorials in the nation’s capitol. The group is expected to return to the Delta County Airport this evening to a Welcome Home Reception at about  7 p.m.

The United States Air Force Band will hold a special concert for the U.P. Honor Flight Veterans in Washington.  See it online via live streaming or at one of the viewing parties at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette,  Bay College in Escanaba or Bay College in  Iron Mountain.  The concert is set to take place at around 3:45 p.m.

To stream the concert online, visit www.usafband.af.mil.

For more information on the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight, or if you would like to become a volunteer or donor, visit www.upperpeninsulahonorflight.org.

National Military Appreciation Month started as a way to gather America around its military family to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served and those now serving and to know the history behind it all. Subsequent formal legislation informs our service members that their country has set aside an entire month to honor, remember and appreciate them.

In 1999, legislation passed in the U.S. Senate designating May as National Military Appreciation Month, with the support and sponsorship of Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA) of San Diego and over 50 veteran service organizations. In April 2004 more comprehensive legislation was passed by unanimous consent of both Houses of Congress.