80+ Cape Fear veterans to take part in Honor Flight Saturday

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — More than 80 veterans from across the Cape Fear are set to take flight Saturday as part of the annual Honor Flight.  

Each year, Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area flies World War Two, Korean War, and Vietnam War era veterans Washington, DC to visit memorials dedicated to their service.   

It’s part of a national program that gives veterans the opportunity to see the memorials in person and reflect with other veterans.  

HFCFA President and Founder Ruth Ravitz Smith says the trips provide veterans a place to relive memories that are often difficult to talk about. 

“The experience is phenomenal,” she said. “You really see veterans who have never spoken about their experience coming home to their family and telling them what it was like to serve the United States”  

Ravitz Smith adds while some veterans may have already seen the memorial, it’s the camaraderie that makes it special. 

“So many times I have veterans say ‘Oh I don’t need to go, I’ve seen the Vietnam wall. But when you see the Vietnam wall and standing next to you is your companion for the day—we call them guardians—or men and women you served with or served at the same time, it’s just a very very meaningful experience,” she explained. 

One of the veterans on Saturday’s flight is 91-year-old Korean War veteran Walter Taylor of Southport. 

He says his two daughters encouraged him to go.   

“I really didn’t want to go,” Taylor recalled. 

While reluctant at first, Taylor says he began thinking about the men he served alongside.  

“When I got discharged, I just lost track of everybody,” he said. 

Now 70 years later, Taylor is hopeful to see some old friends.  

“I hope I meet somebody I know that made it this far, you know? And those that didn’t make it, well, at the memorial I’m going to pay my respects to them,” he said. 

If you know a veteran who would be interested in taking part in the Honor Flight, you can learn more about the program here. 

Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area is also encouraging people to show up to Wilmington International Airport tomorrow at 8:45 p.m. to welcome the veterans home.  

The organization asks everyone to use designated parking and be mindful of construction.