LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — West Central Ohio veterans received a hero’s sendoff Friday as they headed to Dayton for an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
Eight local veterans will travel to the nation’s capital to visit memorials and monuments honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans. When many of the servicemen returned home from war decades ago, they did not receive a warm welcome. Today, that changed. Local law enforcement officers, motorcyclists, friends and family members gathered to cheer them on and thank them for their service as they boarded the bus.
“It’s just an honor to be with these guys. Some of them, unfortunately, gave their lives to get this country as free as it is, and the others, they would have given their life if they had to, but thank God they’re still here,” said Donald “Doc” Miller, a veteran on the Honor Flight bus.
“Just from history and knowing that they were never really honored when they came back, just to know that he’s being honored and that he served America and just represents us ... I just have goosebumps,” said Lisa Beth Sypherd, who was cheering on her father as he boarded the bus. “I feel so emotional and it’s so amazing to watch them be able to walk out and get on that bus and just be honored and cheered on. It’s exciting.”
Veterans and their guardians are expected to return to Laborers Local 329 on Sunday around 11 a.m. Community members are invited to welcome them home.
