Governor Bob Riley and the state’s congressional delegation today recognized the service and sacrifice of Alabama’s veterans as the Honor Flight program brought 101 veterans from across the state to the National World War II Memorial in Washington.

Many of the veterans were making their first visit to the monument to freedom built on the National Mall.  They were flown to Washington by Honor Flight Birmingham, a volunteer organization that arranges one-day trips to the memorial for veterans free of charge.

Governor Riley and representatives of the state delegation met with the veterans during their visit to the memorial.

Delegation members issued the following statements commending Honor Flight and the heroism of Alabama’s World War II veterans.

Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03) said, “I am pleased to see Honor Flight bring our brave veterans to Washington, D.C. to see this great memorial.  Our nation owes these men and women our most profound sense of gratitude for their historic sacrifices and I am honored to have the opportunity to visit with them today.”

Congressman Jo Bonner (AL-01) said, “As the son of World War II veterans, I only wish that my parents would have had the opportunity to see the World War II memorial built in honor of these brave men and women.  We will never forget the valiant deeds and sacrifices they have made.”

Congressman Bobby Bright (AL-02) said, “I have had the tremendous honor of participating in two Honor Flights since I have been in Congress.  It is an excellent program that appropriately honors the sacrifices our World War II veterans have made for our country.  I am extremely pleased that so many of our Alabama veterans have been able to participate in this program, and I look forward to welcoming them to the World War II Memorial for years to come.”         

           
Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) said, “What an honor it is to spend time with our Nation’s heroes, the men and women who have served in wars to preserve our freedom.  World War II may be long over, but the appreciation for those who fought for us in that battle in still strong.  The Honor Flight Birmingham is a great organization that is doing a commendable service for Alabama’s veterans their families.”

Congressman Parker Griffith (AL-05) said, “Honor Flight gives us all the chance to give back to the people that have spent their entire lives in sacrifice to the flag.  I am proud to support and work with everyone involved.”

Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-06), the dean of Alabama’s House delegation, said, “Thousands of Alabama’s finest sons and daughters answered the call of duty during World War II and fought to protect the freedom we all enjoy today.  Honor Flight Birmingham is doing a great thing by bringing our veterans to see the grand memorial built by a grateful nation.”

Congressman Artur Davis (AL-07) said, “American owes a debt that it can never repay to the soldiers who risked their lives to preserve liberty around the globe.  My colleagues and I serve in a democracy today that is vibrant because of their valor.”

The trip was the latest Birmingham Honor Flight visit to the World War II Memorial organized by the local all-volunteer chapter co-founded by Pam Nichols and Amy McDonald of Shelby County.
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