Local veterans take Honor Flight

 Dale Rosenberg, New Rockford, and John Lee, Carrington, were among the 11th Honor Flight out of Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, N.D.

 One-hundred and seven Korean and Vietnam veterans were flown to Washington D.C., leaving on Sunday, September 11 and returning back at Grand Forks International Airport on Tuesday evening at around 8 p.m.

 Each veteran could bring a companion or caregiver along and Dale Rosenberg's daughter, Jessica Alonge, Jamestown, N.D., joined him on this memorable trip.

 The Veterans Honor Flight of N.D./Minn. have many volunteers that devote countless hours raising funds to provide this opportunity for veterans to attend this event free of charge as a way for the entire community to say "Thank You" for their service and dedication to our country.

 When they flew out of Grand Forks International Airport and landed at Baltimore/Washington International Airport in Baltimore, Maryland, the airplane was sprayed with a ceremonial washing performed by the Grand Forks Fire Team and fire team at Baltimore, Maryland.

 After arriving in Baltimore, four buses loaded everyone and drove to Ft. McHenry and to the FDR Memorial. Afterwards, they checked into the Hyatt Hotel and attended dinner in the banquet room and turned in for the night.

 Monday, September 12, breakfast was served, and they loaded in four buses and traveled to the National Archives for a private tour. Then onto the Navy Memorial, Air Force Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony and Iwo Jima.

 They arrived back at the Hyatt Hotel for the dinner program and banquet where each veteran was presented with an envelope of letters from family members and friends that were sent before the trip, known as Mail Call. Some veterans commented that they received more letters that evening than they did the entire time they served.

 Tuesday, September 13, all were treated to breakfast early, loaded into buses and departed for a group photo at the WWII Memorial. They visited the Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial; with one last stop at the American History Smithsonian before heading to the Baltimore/Washington International Airport.

 They headed back to Grand Forks International Airport only to be overwhelmed by countless family, friends and many in the community who came out to welcome the veterans home. There was a local band, many flags, homemade signs and flowers given upon arrival with hugs and cheers. Something each veteran deserved and will not forget.

 The Veterans Honor Flight of N.D./Minn., will be flying again out of Fargo International Airport October 2 - 4, 2022, with approximately 90 more Veterans, companions, and staff.