About the Triangle Flight of Honor
By From staff reports
Published in News on May 5, 2011 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MICHAEL BETTS
Ralph Jinnette at the folding of the flag by the Honor Guard at the Air Force Memorial
Conceived in 2004 by retired Air Force Capt. Earl Morse, the Flight of Honor takes World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the many memorials erected to honor their sacrifices.
The branch that serves Goldsboro and Wayne County, the Triangle Flight of Honor, made Wednesday's trip possible -- and in the fall, will ensure more local heroes are along for the ride.
The experience, which takes the veterans from the World War II and Iwo Jima memorials to the Smithsonian and Arlington National Cemetery, includes several special ceremonies and opportunities for the participants to meet with -- and receive thanks from -- family members who drive up to greet them, elected officials and even those tourists who happen to be at the particular sites when they arrive.
But in order to make the next trip happen, donations are needed.
The estimated cost is $20,000 and while thousands of dollars have already been raised, supporters of the flight are asking the public to continue to chip in -- the money, officials said, will be used strictly for the veterans' expenses.
Checks should be made payable to Triangle Flight of Honor. Donations, which are tax deductible, may be sent to flight guardian Allan D. Pederson, 2095 Big Daddy's Road, Pikeville, NC 27863. For more information, call Pederson at 734-5808 or 922-5111.