A group of 30 World War II and Korean War veterans recently returned from Washington, D.C., where they visited the memorials built in their honor. The trip was part of Brookshire Grocery Co.’s (BGC) 10th Heroes Flight.
Provided by Tyler, Texas-based BGC at no cost to those selected for the trip, the Heroes Flight was created to honor WWII and Korean War veterans for their service and sacrifices. About 20 BGC employees and members of the media accompanied the veterans as guardians on the four-day trip that departed on Memorial Day.
In addition to visiting the WWII and Korean War memorials, the group was led on a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol by Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas). The veterans also got to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Other points of interest included the Washington Monument and the Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport, along with the U.S. Marines, Navy, Air Force, Lincoln, Vietnam, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials.
“While we can never truly repay these heroes for the sacrifices they made to defend our freedoms, the Heroes Flight trips are just one way we can express our sincere gratitude,” said Rick Rayford, BGC’s president and CEO. “Most of the veterans have never had a chance to see their memorials, and we are thrilled to be able provide this opportunity once again for such a deserving group of people.”
Veterans selected for this trip were from towns throughout East Texas. A veteran from Shreveport, Louisiana, also participated. BGC now has escorted more than 300 WWII and Korean War veterans to Washington, D.C, since establishing the Heroes Flight program in 2010.
