War Veterans From Vietnam, Korea, To Reunite At LI's American Airpower Museum

FARMINGDALE, NY — A reunion of 41 Vietnam War veterans and five Korean War veterans is scheduled for Aug. 3 at Farmingdale's American Airpower Museum, the museum announced.

The veterans last met on May 4 when Honor Flight Long Island escorted them on an early morning flight to Washington, D.C. Veterans and their guardians visited WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for a "Changing of the Guard," and took a Washington, D.C. bus tour. They returned to MacArthur Airport that evening for a welcome home by the Nassau County Fire Fighters Pipe and Drum Band and thunderous applause from hundreds of family, friends and supporters.

"This special flight included 41 Vietnam veterans who received long overdue recognition and thanks for their military service," said Bill Jones, president of Honor Flight Long Island, in a news release. "They were accompanied on this flight by five elder comrades, veterans of the Korean War. What this flight really represented was a 'big hug' to all our veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters who make such flights possible."

Jones is a West Point 1972 graduate and U.S. Army veteran.

Jones said that newly elected Southampton Supervisor Maria Moore served on the flight as a guardian.

"We’re proud she was on board," Jones said. "The Town has supported HFLI since its beginning, getting us off the ground and ensuring our success. HFLI will be forever grateful for Southampton’s support."

He added that May 4 was historic for HFLI, since it marked the nonprofit’s over 2,000 veterans flown milestone since the group started in 2007.

Veterans received a special honor during their May 4 visit to D.C. Despite the pouring rain, HFLI Guardian Eric Wieboldt of Merrick, belted out his original song, "Welcome Home, My Brother," which brought tears to veterans and onlookers alike. Wieboldt said he wrote his song "because the Vietnam veterans never received a proper welcome home. My song is an attempt to right that wrong."

Wieboldt will perform his song as a special tribute during the Aug. 3 reunion.

The American Airpower Museum is set to open at 10:30 a.m. that day, and the reunion is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at AAM’s Hangar 3, at 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale.

People can call 631-293-6398 or visit the American Airpower Museum website for more information.

The museum encouraged the public to attend, applaud and cheer veterans on during a "Ceremony of Honors" as each is presented with a personalized tribute journal full of photographs taken during their day in Washington, D.C.

Members of the public arriving for the event from 10:30 a.m. to noon may attend free of charge. After 12 p.m., regular museum admission is free for members, $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, $10 for children ages 5-12 and free for children ages 4 and under.

Jones and AAM president and founder Jeff Clyman will give speeches. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Band will play a popular medley called the "Armed Forces Salute," featuring the six official melodies of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air and Space Forces, and the Coast Guard. Free cake, coffee and refreshments will be provided by Honor Flight Long Island.

HFLI is accepting applications from veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Long Island veterans are encouraged to sign up by going to the website.

Honor Flight says it is important for veterans to submit an application, as that will ensure placement on its list. Veterans fly for free, thanks to donations from across Long Island. They are accompanied by guardians, able-bodied volunteers who donate $400 to offset their travel costs. If there is no family member to act as a guardian, Honor Flight Long Island has volunteers ready to step up for the privilege of escorting veterans to their memorials. People with questions can call HFLI Secretary Jamie Bowden at 631-702-2423 or email [email protected].