Each year in November, we pause to honor the brave men and women who served their country for our freedom. We take to social media with photos of loved ones saluting American flags and standing strong on front lines as we thank them for their sacrifice and service.

As gratitude fills the air for some of our hometown heroes, that feeling quite literally takes flight. Through the Honor Flight Network, local veterans are given the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. What begins as a simple flight often becomes an emotional journey of remembrance, camaraderie, and for some, healing. It is a day devoted entirely to them—a true, heartfelt “thank you” from a grateful community and nation.

Volunteers, friends, and loved ones gather with flags, signs, and applause as the veterans—many who are now in their 80s and 90s—embark on one final journey of their service. Once in Washington, the veterans stand before each of their dedicated memorials; there is a quietness that settles over each one as some bow their heads while others run their fingers over engraved names of those not forgotten. Every moment is steeped in honor, remembrance, and pride.

But perhaps the most moving part of the day isn’t just the memorials—it belongs to the connections. Strangers become friends; some reunite with others they served with so many years ago. Guardians and volunteers from each community accompany them every step of the way—listening, learning, and, most importantly, honoring.

Returning home after a long day of remembering is pure magic. The airport fills with family and friends shouting “welcome home” as the men and women step off the plane, greeted by the gratitude of a nation that remembers. Honor Flight is a transformation. It is a reminder that appreciation must never fade. Each flight carries more than passengers; it carries stories, sacrifices, and the enduring spirit of service.

Our local Honor Flight volunteers make these unforgettable journeys possible through months of planning and countless hours of dedication. They coordinate transportation, guardians, meals, and every small detail to ensure the veterans feel the honor they deserve. It is an act of service that carries forward the same spirit of sacrifice our veterans once showed us.

Working closely with veterans and having the great privilege of being a part of Honor Flight has taught me that service does not end when the uniform comes off. The same strength that carried them through battle often carries them through life’s challenges afterward. Veterans Day is a reminder to truly see them—not just as symbols of patriotism, but as individuals with stories that deserve to be heard. It is about recognizing that freedom is never free, and that the cost is often carried long after the battle ends.

Each Honor Flight depends on community support to make these life-changing journeys possible. You can help by:

For more information, visit www.honorflightoftheozarks.org to learn how you can honor those who have served.