DAYTONA BEACH -- One hundred World War II veterans and their escorts will board a US Airways’ Airbus charter plane at Daytona Beach International Airport bound for Washington, D.C., at 6:26 a.m. Saturday. The group is the fifth from Central Florida to travel to the nation’s capital through the Volusia Honor Air program, which is organized by the Rotary Clubs in DeLand.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office honor guard will welcome the veterans as they make their way through a dedicated security checkpoint at the airport, followed by a pre-boarding reception inside the terminal. Volusia County Fire Services will send off the aircraft with a water cannon salute.
While at the nation’s capital, the veterans will tour the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Wall and the Tomb of the Unknowns, time permitting. U.S. Representative John Mica and Representative Suzanne Kosmas will be accompanying the veterans on their tour. They will also be hosting a luncheon for the vets at the Capitol.
The group will return to DBIA at 9:02 p.m. May 8. The public is encouraged to greet them on their return home.
For more information about Volusia Honor Air, please visit volusiahonorair.org.