Central Missouri Honor Flights to continue despite government shutdown

Despite the government shutdown, two planned Central Missouri Honor Flights will go on as scheduled.

The first flight, scheduled for Oct. 15, will continue with 70 Mid-Missouri veterans traveling to Washington, D.C. A second flight, scheduled for Nov. 5, will take approximately 70 veterans to the nation’s capital.

During the one-day trips, veterans are able to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to their military service.

However, because of the government shutdown, the U.S. National Park Service closed all national parks and monuments to visitors.

Honor Flight organizers say no barriers or barricades will keep them from visiting the memorials.

“We have made a pledge to these men and women who have fought for our freedoms,” said CMHF president Mary Paulsell. “Our delegation will honor our commitment and fly on October 15. I doubt that some fencing and police tape will keep them from entering this hallowed ground. These are their memorials, and they will see them.”

For the Oct. 15 honor flight, the veterans will leave from Columbia’s Courtyard Marriott around 2 a.m. and return around 10:45 p.m. The public is invited to welcome the veterans back home.

The veterans are expected to get a tour of the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam memorials, the Marine Corps and Air Force memorials, and Arlington National Cemetery.

Since 2009, CMHF has flown more than 1,400 veterans to Washington, D.C.

For more information, you can visit their website.