Honor Flight lands back in Central Valley: ‘It’s such an honor for these men and women’

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The Central Valley Honor Flight landed three hours later than expected Wednesday night, but the delay did not dim the spirits of the folks who were waiting to greet the crowd of local veterans.

The three-day visit to Washington D.C. saw the group depart Fresno on Monday , have a full day at the U.S. Capitol and see memorials on Tuesday , and then return on Wednesday.

“To the community and the veterans that are coming in, it’s such an honor for these men and women who served,” said Lisa Marie Silva Sanchez, whose father was on Honor Flight.

Before their return flight, the veterans took in a full day of special events – and one birthday. Marine Corps veteran Sergio Silva of Clovis celebrated his 80th birthday on the third day of the Central Valley Honor Flight.

The veterans also saw the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with four Honor Flight members taking part including Marine Corp veteran and Purple Heart recipient Jose Perez.

“You ask me about it being fresh in my mind, this will be etched in my heart, and in my mind this was the greatest privilege that I’ve ever had,” said Jose.

The day continued at the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, where Sergio Silva was able to find the name of his cousin who did not return from Vietnam.

“I just love this, I really really wanted to do this before my birthday and before I pass,” said Segio.

So far, the Central Valley Honor Flight has taken 1,873 veterans to their memorials in Washington D.C. The all-volunteer organization was founded in 2013.

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