OSHKOSH (WLUK) -- A group of Vietnam War veterans are traveling to our nation's capital this summer as part of EAA AirVenture's annual Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight.
On July 25, 100 veterans will fly to Washington, D.C. at no cost and spend the day touring war memorials. They will then travel back to Oshkosh at the conclusion of the Friday afternoon air show, where thousands of people will welcome them back home.
"The Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight is one of the most memorable events of AirVenture week and our Salute to Veterans activities each year," said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programming, in a news release. "This event that honors what Vietnam veterans did for this country and provides them an experience of a lifetime, while giving AirVenture attendees an opportunity to say, 'Thanks and welcome home.'"
2025 marks the 11th year the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight will take off from EAA AirVenture. Since 2009, Old Glory Honor Flight of Appleton has organized dozens of trips to D.C., as well as special flights to Pearl Harbor and Vietnam.
American Airlines is once again supplying an aircraft for the flight, which will be flown by an all-volunteer crew of pilots and cabin attendants.
"Each Honor Flight mission is a special occasion, but the ability to be a part of EAA AirVenture always creates unforgettable moments," added Diane MacDonald, executive director of Old Glory Honor Flight.
Honoring our local Vietnam veterans out of EAA AirVenture is such a highlight; being witness to the enthusiasm, respect, and appreciation from the world's aviation enthusiasts when the flight returns to Oshkosh is such an incredible sight to see and it means the world to the men and women who get to experience it.
Old Glory Honor Flight will be inviting local veterans who are currently on their waitlist to take part. In addition, other Vietnam veterans who are already attending AirVenture 2025 are invited to apply prior to June 7 for a drawing for one of approximately 15 seats available on the flight.
The 72nd EAA fly-in convention will take place July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. EAA AirVenture is the world's largest annual gathering of aviation fans, with guests visiting from over 90 countries.