Great River Honor Flight group makes stop at White House as part of Vietnam War Commemoration

QUINCY — The 28 veterans and 28 guardians visiting Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 11 as part of the Great River Honor Flight made a stop at the White House as part of the Vietnam War Commemoration, recognizing the 50th anniversary with a celebration in the nation’s capital.

Of the 28 veterans on Thursday’s mission, 24 served during the Vietnam era. 

It was a first-of-its-kind adaptation to the typical itinerary that local veterans have enjoyed during the past 14 years during their Honor Flight experience.

Thursday’s mission was the 64^th for local veterans since the program started in 2010. Since then, 2,037 local veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and between those conflicts have participated in this program.  The 28 veterans on Thursday’s mission were from Illinois (Adams, Brown, Pike, McDonough and St. Clair counties), Missouri (Marion and Lewis counties) and Iowa (Lee County).