One of the most emotional traditions of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will return in 2026 as 100 Vietnam War veterans participate in the annual Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on July 24 as part of AirVenture’s Salute to Veterans activities. The 73rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention will take place July 20–26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The veterans will travel to the nation’s capital at no cost to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and other national monuments honoring military service. At the conclusion of Friday afternoon’s air show, the veterans will return to Oshkosh, where thousands of AirVenture attendees traditionally gather to welcome them home in one of the week’s most moving moments.
“The Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight is one of the most memorable events of AirVenture week and our Salute to Veterans activities each year,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming. “This event honors what Vietnam veterans did for this country and provides them with an experience of a lifetime, while giving AirVenture attendees an opportunity to say, ‘Thanks and welcome home.’” This year marks the 12th consecutive year the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight has originated from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh under the direction of Missions of Honor, formerly known as Old Glory Honor Flight, based in Appleton, Wisconsin. Since 2009, the nonprofit organization has organized dozens of Honor Flights through the efforts of dedicated volunteers, including special missions to Pearl Harbor and Vietnam.
“Each Honor Flight mission is a special occasion, but being part of EAA AirVenture always creates unforgettable moments,” said Diane MacDonald, executive director of Missions of Honor. “Honoring our local Vietnam veterans during AirVenture is such a highlight. Witnessing the enthusiasm, respect, and appreciation from the world’s aviation enthusiasts when the flight returns to Oshkosh is truly incredible, and it means the world to the veterans who experience it.” American Airlines will once again provide the aircraft for the mission, flown by an all-volunteer crew of American Airlines pilots and flight attendants. Missions of Honor is currently inviting veterans already on its waitlist to participate. In addition, Vietnam veterans attending AirVenture 2026 may apply before June 6 for a drawing to fill approximately 15 additional seats on the flight. More information is available online regarding Missions of Honor or to make donations to the organization. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure.
