BANGOR, Maine – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R) joined families, friends, and members of the Bangor community Tuesday to welcome home more than 60 Maine veterans returning from Washington, D.C., after a trip organized by Honor Flight Maine.
The veterans traveled to the nation’s capital to visit the memorials built in honor of the men and women who served in America’s wars. For many, the trip offered a powerful opportunity to reflect on their military service alongside fellow veterans, while receiving the kind of public gratitude that some never experienced when they first returned home.
“It was deeply moving to join the Bangor community, along with the families and friends of these veterans, for this special homecoming,” said Sen. Collins. “Honor Flight Maine makes it possible for our veterans to see firsthand the memorials that stand in tribute to them, while giving all of us the opportunity to remind them that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
Honor Flight Maine is part of the larger Honor Flight Network, a nonprofit effort dedicated to bringing American veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials honoring their service and sacrifice. The trips are provided at no cost to the veterans.
The national Honor Flight movement began in 2005, originally focused on ensuring that World War II veterans had the chance to see the National World War II Memorial in Washington. The program has since expanded to include veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam War, and other service eras, with priority often given to older veterans and those facing serious illness.
For Maine veterans, the trip is more than a tour of historic sites. It is a public act of remembrance, gratitude, and recognition. Veterans travel with support from volunteers and guardians, visit memorials dedicated to their service, and return home to crowds gathered to thank them.
The homecoming in Bangor continued that tradition, giving the returning veterans a visible show of appreciation from their families, neighbors, and community members.
For some Vietnam-era veterans in particular, the welcome home carried added meaning. Many returned from war decades ago without celebration, and in some cases faced hostility or silence rather than gratitude. Honor Flight homecomings are intended to help correct that history by giving veterans the respect and recognition they earned.
Collins said the program provides Mainers with an opportunity not only to honor veterans’ past sacrifices, but also to remind them that those sacrifices remain remembered by future generations.
I heard it reported that Platner asked the Collins Campaign if he could come pee on them .
He promised to come in a bath towel and bring his phone .
Platner is such a disgusting specimen .
Collins keeping it classy.
This was one of he greatest experiences this old Vietnam Vet has had since coming home. Thanks again to the great people who make this possible.