Twenty-five Korean War and Vietnam War veterans from across the Hawaiian Islands touched down at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport this week, greeted with hula dancing and song as they stepped off the plane for the islands' very first Honor Flight. The trip, running October 6 through 10, marked a milestone for a local hub sending Hawaii's aging veterans on the same kind of memorial pilgrimage that tens of thousands of mainland veterans have taken before them.
The flight was described as the Hawaiian Islands' first Honor Flight, according to WJLA, and it marks a milestone for the Hawaiian Islands Honor Flight hub, which has a mailing address in Aiea, Hawaii, and accepted applications between 2022 and 2024. The group included both Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. The Honor Flight Network began in 2005 with a focus on World War II veterans and now serves veterans from several eras.
A Journey Unlike Any Other in the Network
A Journey Unlike Any Other in the Network Getting the delegation to Washington, D.C., was part of its journey.
The Hawaiian Islands Honor Flight hub serves Hawaii's veterans. Honor Flight veterans travel free, while guardians accompany them and pay their own way; guardians cannot be spouses or significant others.
Hula and Song Welcome Veterans at Reagan National
Marie Corpuz, a medical service corps officer who took part in the trip, said the gathering gave veterans a chance to reminisce and share camaraderie with one another, according to WJLA. She described the airport welcome as a gift honoring the veterans' service, and said her own military career builds on the contributions of earlier generations who served before her.
Charles Brewer, the group's oldest member at 94 years old and a Korean War veteran, said he was thoroughly enjoying the experience. “You cannot believe how much fun I'm having on this trip,” Brewer said, per the same WJLA account. Veterans in the group appreciated the ceremonial welcome, and Brewer said the time spent together underscored the value of people coming together.
The Hawaii delegation received a welcome at Reagan National, complete with hula dancers and song.
Hawaii's Inaugural Honor Flight
This week's trip was the Hawaiian Islands' first Honor Flight, marking a milestone for the local hub.
Nationally, the Honor Flight Network has transported more than 300,000 veterans to Washington since its founding, operating through more than 130 regional hubs across the country, according to the Honor Flight Network's own figures. The organization traces its roots to 2005 and has since grown into the commercial-charter operation it is today.
Looking Ahead for Hawaii's Veterans
Corpuz said she hoped to continue welcoming veterans on future visits, calling the inaugural trip an opportunity to give back and celebrate the service of the men and women making the journey. Whether the Hawaiian chapter can sustain regular flights given the costs of transpacific travel remains an open question for organizers as they look toward future delegations.
For the 25 veterans who flew this week, the focus was finally making the trip to see the memorials built in their honor.
