One of the most powerful and heartfelt traditions of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will return in 2025, as 100 Vietnam War veterans will take part in the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on Friday, July 25. This special event is part of EAA’s annual Salute to Veterans during the 72nd annual fly-in convention, which runs July 21–27 at Wittman Regional Airport. These honored veterans will travel to the nation’s capital for a daylong journey to visit the memorials built in tribute to their service and sacrifice—all at no cost to them. Their return to Oshkosh later that day, just after the Friday afternoon air show, will be marked by an emotional welcome home celebration in front of thousands of AirVenture attendees.
“The Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight is one of the most meaningful events during AirVenture week,” said Rick Larsen, EAA Vice President of Communities and Member Programming. “It gives Vietnam veterans the long-overdue recognition they deserve while giving attendees the chance to say, ‘Thank you and welcome home.’” This marks the 11th year that the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight has launched from EAA AirVenture in partnership with Old Glory Honor Flight, a non-profit organization based in Appleton, Wisconsin. Since 2009, Old Glory has organized dozens of Honor Flights, including special missions to Pearl Harbor and Vietnam, all operated by a passionate team of volunteers.
“Every Honor Flight is special, but taking part in EAA AirVenture brings another level of emotion and energy,” said Diane MacDonald, Executive Director of Old Glory Honor Flight. “The respect and gratitude shown by the AirVenture crowd when our veterans return to Oshkosh is simply overwhelming—it’s something they never forget.” American Airlines will once again provide the aircraft for this mission, with an all-volunteer crew of pilots and flight attendants donating their time to honor the veterans.
Old Glory Honor Flight will be selecting Vietnam veterans from its existing waitlist and also offering approximately 15 seats to veterans who are already planning to attend AirVenture 2025. Interested Vietnam veterans must apply by June 7 to be considered for the seat drawing. For more information about Old Glory Honor Flight or to make a donation, visit www.oldgloryhonorflight.org.
