Tuesday, November 11, was Veterans Day—a day to honor the brave men and women who’ve served. For a group of Korean and Vietnam War veterans, the occasion became unforgettable thanks to a surprise they never expected.
Veterans traveling to Washington, DC through the Honor Flight Network, a non-profit that flies heroes to visit monuments and memorials, touched down from Madison, Wisconsin—only to be greeted by former President Barack Obama himself.
As the veterans disembarked, Obama appeared onboard the plane and addressed them over the intercom. His message was simple, heartfelt, and unforgettable:
“Hello, everybody. As we approach Veterans Day, I wanted to stop by and just say thank you for your extraordinary service. To you, your family, the sacrifices that all of you made to protect our country is something that will always be honored, and we are very grateful.”
The veterans’ reactions were priceless. Smiles, applause, and heartfelt cheers filled the cabin. Many were clearly moved by the former president’s personal recognition of their service.
Honor Flight Network has spent the past 20 years giving veterans nationwide the opportunity to see Washington, DC’s monuments and memorials. Participation is free for veterans, funded entirely through donations, giving them a chance to reflect, remember fallen comrades, and connect with fellow heroes. Over 300,000 veterans have flown with the program since its inception.
Obama later shared his experience on Medium, calling it “an honor” to greet the heroes. He also handed out Presidential Challenge Coins, a memento he has distributed during and after his presidency to thank those who have served the nation or their communities.
“To all those who bravely served our country, thank you to you and your family for your extraordinary service. The sacrifices that all of you have made to protect our country will be honored, today and every day,” he wrote.
This surprise reminds us that simple gestures of recognition and gratitude can leave a lasting impact. Veterans who have given so much for their country deserve moments like these—full of respect, appreciation, and honor.
Show Your Support: Share this story to honor our troops and veterans, and let them know their service will never be forgotten.
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