February 13, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 28 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Pages S1322-S1323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING OLD GLORY HONOR FLIGHT

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the Old Glory 
Honor Flight organization, as it makes its maiden flight to Vietnam to 
bring 53 veterans back to the place where they risked their lives for 
our Nation. I am honored to pay tribute to this important first flight 
and to honor their sacrifices.
  The all-volunteer organization, Old Glory Honor Flight, was founded 
in 2009 by individuals who had a dream of creating an honor flight 
experience for military veterans in northeast Wisconsin. A dedicated 
board of volunteers launched the first official flight on October 27, 
2009, when they hosted 95 World War II veterans on a trip to our 
Nation's Capital to experience firsthand the national memorials 
honoring American military servicemembers.
  The honor flight's mission is to create a safe and memorable 
experience for veterans who call Wisconsin home. Until now, each honor 
flight has taken place within a single day, sending veterans to 
Washington, DC, to thank them for all they sacrificed to keep our 
Nation safe and free. Since its inception, Old Glory Honor Flight has 
flown more than 3,500 veterans on more than 40 missions.
  Through the generous support of individuals and businesses, Old Glory 
Honor Flight has grown tremendously in the past decade. This month, for 
the first time in its 10-year existence, the organization is sending 53 
veterans who served in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand back to 
Vietnam for 2 weeks.
  Wisconsinites owe a debt of gratitude to these servicemembers who 
answered our country's call to serve and defend the United States. 
These veterans served with honor and endured the horrors of war. When 
they returned home,

[[Page S1323]]

they were shunned and denied their rightful hero's welcome. We must vow 
to never let this happen again and to always honor those who serve in 
our Armed Forces. Let this flight be a reminder that we can all do our 
part to keep the sacred trust we have with our veterans. Let it be a 
reminder that there is still more work to do to honor their service, 
and let us be inspired by their selfless and heroic service to a 
grateful nation.
  I am honored to recognize the very first Wisconsin Honor Flight to 
Vietnam and I commend Old Glory Honor Flight on this extraordinary 
mission to honor our Wisconsin military veterans. It is my sincere hope 
that this momentous trip will bring some peace to these brave men 
traveling back to Vietnam.

                          ____________________