Honor Flight Reunion to Celebrate Nebraska’s World War II Veterans

Governor to make declaration at May 24 flight reunion

(Lincoln, Neb.) - Photo Gallery - Gov. Dave Heineman will declare May 24, “World War II Veterans Day” at the final reunion for participants of the statewide “Heartland Honor Flights” (HHF) effort. The flights allowed Nebraska’s World War II veterans to visit the World War II Memorial in the nation’s capital.

“It has been a great honor to participate in the Heartland Honor Flights,” said Gov. Heineman. “This was an extraordinary effort organized by Bill & Evonne Williams of Omaha. In one year, the Heartland Honor Flights have allowed more than 1,500 Nebraska veterans to see their memorial on the National Mall. I look forward to declaring May 24 ‘World War II Veterans Day’ in Nebraska.”

Approximately 1,400 individuals are expected to attend the May 24 event honoring the veterans, as well as family members, donors, volunteers, and flight volunteers (known as “guardians”) who have supported the flights since the inaugural flight on May 21, 2008. 

The reunion will take place at the Holiday Inn Central, 72nd & Grover, Omaha. Events are open to and encourage media participation. The schedule is as follows:

SUNDAY, May 24, 2009

2 - 4 pm           Registration for all veterans and their guests

4:30 pm           Group photo in the Holiday Ballroom (east tower) of all veterans and volunteers

6:30 pm           Dinner and program in the Palace Ballroom

                        *Governor Heineman will address the guests

                        *Beth Seldin Dotan of the Institute for Holocaust Education has invited

                        survivors to attend the dinner so they can personally thank the veterans

                        *Nebraska singing group, the Avi8ors, will perform

                        *Greg Spevak Orchestra will play during dinner & after the program

MONDAY, May 25, 2009

7:30 am           Coffee & rolls in the Palace Ballroom

8:15 am           Memorial Day Service led by the Nebraska Veterans of Foreign Wars

This memorable evening will be the Heartland Honor Flight’s final salute to the Greatest Generation, and bring to a close the statewide Heartland Honor Flight effort. Additional information on the national effort is available at: www.heartlandhonorflight.com