Veterans Voices: ‘Honor Flight’ travels to the US Capitol, Arlington

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A week out from Veterans’ Day, we’re taking you along on a trip to honor America’s servicemen and women.

In September, KOIN 6 Morning Anchor Emily Burris and Photojournalist Robert Dingwall had the opportunity to travel with Honor Flight of Northwest Oregon. The non-profit is part of a nationwide network to bring veterans to Washington DC for the opportunity to see firsthand the museums, monuments, and memorials built in their honor.

The group’s first full day exploring Washington D.C. brought solemn moments of remembrance and reflection – starting at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

The tour continued to the United States Navy Memorial, and then onto the United States Capitol for a tour and lunch with members of the Oregon Congressional Delegation.

Democratic House Representatives Andrea Salinas, Janelle Bynum, and Suzanne Bonamici – who represent the districts these Honor Flight veterans traveled from – spoke about the impact our servicemembers have had on their careers.

“As a daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to honor all of you today, and I hope you feel that way on this trip, ” Salinas said.

Senior US Senator for Oregon, Ron Wyden, echoed that gratitude.

“This weekend, I’m going to have my 1,125th open to all town hall meeting,” Wyden explained, “…we don’t have a lot of those meetings in parts of the world where there’s no freedom and where the authoritarians have taken over. We’ve got them in the United States because of all that you’ve done to keep our freedom so special.”

Though brief, the visit provided an opportunity to reiterate the work happening in Washington to support veterans as they transition back to civilian life.

A visit to Arlington National Cemetery followed, where the group was given the opportunity to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.