SANFORD, Fla. – Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War can apply now for a free trip to Washington, D.C. through Honor Flight Central Florida.
The organization’s next trip, Mission #37, is scheduled for October 17, 2026. Veterans will fly from the Sanford area to the nation’s capital to visit their memorials. The welcome home celebration is expected around 10:00 p.m. at the airport.
The flight is completely free for veterans
According to Honor Flight Central Florida, veterans fly to Washington, D.C. at no cost to them. The trip includes motor coach transportation, meals, and any other amenities needed to travel comfortably. Complimentary wheelchairs, oxygen, and a paramedic staff will be available on the flight mission.
The itinerary includes visits to the World War II, Korea, and Vietnam memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flights are typically up and back on the same day — usually a Saturday in the spring or fall.
Top priority is given to World War II veterans and veterans of any era who are terminally ill. Korean War and Vietnam War veterans are also eligible and encouraged to apply.
About the memorials
World War II Memorial
The National World War II Memorial sits on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. It honors the service of 16 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the support of millions more on the home front, and the sacrifice of 405,399 Americans who gave their lives. A wall of 4,048 gold stars stands as a reminder of that sacrifice. The memorial was dedicated on May 29, 2004, and features 24 bronze bas-relief panels, 56 granite pillars representing each U.S. state and territory at the time of the war, and a central pool with fountains.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the most-visited memorial on the National Mall, drawing more than 5 million people each year. Its most prominent feature is a black granite wall listing the names of 58,318 Americans who gave their lives in service to their country — listed in chronological order by date of death. The wall was dedicated on Veterans Day in 1982. The memorial also includes the Three Servicemen statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, the In Memory plaque, and a flagpole flying both the U.S. and POW-MIA flags.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated on July 27, 1995 — the 42nd anniversary of the armistice that ended the war. Often called “The Forgotten War” because of its place in history between World War II and Vietnam, the Korean War claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Americans. The memorial features 19 stainless steel statues representing an ethnic cross section of the military — 14 soldiers, three Marines, one sailor, and one airman — standing among juniper bushes meant to represent the rugged terrain of Korea. A Wall of Remembrance, added in 2022, bears the names of 36,574 American service members killed in the conflict.
How to apply
An application is available on the Honor Flight Central Florida website. Veterans who need help filling out the application can:
- Email: Honor.Flight.Central.Florida@gmail.com
- Call: 407-203-7010
Guardians needed, too
Honor Flight Central Florida also relies on volunteer Guardians — donors who accompany veterans on every flight mission. Guardians cover their own travel and trip costs and are asked to assist and dedicate themselves to a veteran for the duration of the mission, including being prepared to push a wheelchair.
According to the organization, it is not unusual for veterans to share their wartime experiences for the first time when they reach the memorials. When family members serve as Guardians, the organization says they gain a new appreciation for the legacy of service they will inherit.