Walsh greets veterans on final Honor Flight
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Senator John Walsh joined 77 World War II veterans on the National Mall May 12 who participated in the final World War II Big Sky Honor Flight. Sen. Tester, a longtime member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, was also in attendance at the May 12 honor flight events.
Walsh, who is the Honorary Chair of the Big Sky Honor flight, celebrated the service of Montana’s World War II veterans at the memorial that was built in their honor.
“We can’t thank our World War II veterans enough for their selfless service on behalf of our country,” said Walsh. “The Big Sky Honor Flight accomplished its mission to recognize Montana’s veterans for their sacrifices and pay tribute to their service. These flights for members of the Greatest Generation were made possibly by the generosity of Montanans and the hard work of the Big Sky Honor Flight Committee, and I thank them for their dedication.”
WWII veterans from Lake County who had the honor to participate included Bob Cook, Andrew Winter, Bill Hocker, Phil Maxwell, Dale Foust, Charles Jacquier, Warren Trosclair and Don Siers.
The Big Sky Honor Flight raised $1.45 million for nine flights from Billings, Montana to Washington D.C. In total throughout the past two years, 755 veterans visited the World War II Memorial. The veterans also visited Arlington National Cemetery, Iwo Jima Memorial, and attended a banquet in their honor.
Currently, plans are in place to continue the Big Sky Honor Flight program for Korean War Veterans.
“Our World War II veterans sacrificed so much for our country, often deploying for as long as four years, and then returned home to build the great country we have today,” Walsh said on the senate floor. ”They truly are the Greatest Generation.
