Skip to main content

Southwest Airlines Community

Southwest Airlines, Honor Flight, and Independence Day

cwelch
Adventurer C

Independence Day reminds us all of the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. It’s also a reminder that these freedoms come with a high price.

This weekend, Southwest Airlines celebrates with the rest of the country those Service members and their families who devote so much to the cause of liberty.

As the Official Airline of the Honor Flight Network, we frequently receive photos of the Honor Flight trips that take place throughout our system year round. Honor Flight Network transports World War II Veterans to visit their memorial in Washington, D.C.

 

During the third week of June, the Honor Flight Network reached a milestone of transporting 50,000 World War II Veterans.

Congratulations on this exciting achievement! We thought this would be a great moment to share a few photos from these flights.

 

Thank you to Spokane Knight Scene for allowing us to share its beautiful pictures in honor of our country’s Veterans and to celebrate the Independence Day weekend.

For more information on The Honor Flight Network, visit www.honorflight.org. To learn more about Southwest’s commitment to the Military and their families, visit www.southwest.com/cares.

18 Comments
luvtoflyswa
Explorer A
That is so neat! Thank you, SWA, to those currently in the service, & to our vets! SWA LUV! 🙂
James_McLaughli
Explorer C
We at the Honor Flight Network are grateful to Southwest Airlines for all of their support. All of our WWII veterans that fly Southwest are impressed and humbled by the special treatment they recieve from the crews on Southwest. For some it is the first time they have flown on Southwest but they become fans after seeing how Southwest feels about America's veterans. For most WWII veterans it is the first time anyone has said 'Thank you for your Service' and it means a great deal to these humble heroes. A sincere 'Thank You' to all at Southwest Airlines.
Tom_Seagraves
Explorer C
You guys should be very proud of yourselves for taking part in these Honor Flights. Thanks for honoring these brave people who helped to keep us free.
Paul_K
Explorer C
Truly wonderful. We all need to be doing things like this. Hats off to all those who are and have served to keep us safe. God Bless You All
Johnny_Kabahit
Explorer C
I fly your airline alway and I am satisfy
Beverly_S
Explorer C
These are wonderful! SO proud of our veterans! Thank you!
Sid
Explorer C
Casey, Thank you for these personal photos and the moving reason behind them. I have to say, I applaud your word choice. "...to visit their memorial in Washington, D.C." The selection of "their" stopped me in my tracks. How powerful that is to remind me that an artist created the memorial, but actual people's sacrifices built it.
Pat_McElroy
Explorer C
My Brother-in-law was honored to travel on one of these flights from OKC to DCA. He had a wonderful time and appreciated the attention and services that were provided on the trip. He served in the Eighth Air Force on a B-24
janice_c
Explorer C
My neighbor was on one of the Honor Flights from KC to DC. He couldn't have been more pleased with the whole event, and of course it all has to do with people who are good at planning every detail. The event went off so smoothly and was a highlight in his life. He said the military band that greeted them was outstanding, and of course brought tears to everyone's eyes, and lumps in their throats. The tour guides and 'guardians' that helped them in the wheelchairs were knowledgeable, and so courteous and helpful. The men who served from the KC area are planning on staying in touch... it brought much happiness to all of them. Thank you to Southwest Airlines and all those that helped with this wonderful trip for these veterans who so freely gave of their lives.
janice_c
Explorer C
My neighbor was on one of the Honor Flights from KC to DC. He couldn't have been more pleased with the whole event, and of course it all has to do with people who are good at planning every detail. The event was a highlight in this man's now un-eventful life. He said the military band that greeted them was outstanding, and of course brought tears to everyone's eyes, and lumps in their throats. The tour guides and 'guardians' that helped them in the wheelchairs were knowledgeable, and so courteous and helpful. He also said the men who served from the KC area are planning on staying in touch... it brought much happiness to all of them. Thank you to Southwest Airlines and all those that helped with this wonderful trip for these veterans who so freely gave of their lives.
crm02
Explorer C
Being a veteran I can appreciate this. Been flying SWA for many years. Wouldn't fly no other airline.
Anonymous3670
Explorer C
Thank you for your support of these great heroes and a worthy cause!
Linda_Gruben
Explorer C
I LUV this airline and this is one of the main reasons why. God bless all of these awesome soldiers/troops for all they did to keep and protect our freedoms, and bless you SWA for all you do to make this trip happen for them!!
Anne_Starr
Explorer C
God Bless you for providing this wonderful service to our Veterans. The photos brought tears to my eyes!
Donna18
Explorer C
Thank you for posting the pictures of these brave men. Dad was a WWII Iwo Jima Vet - he is my hero. I am eternally grateful to him and all the brave soldiers who give us our freedom.
Louise2
Explorer C
What a wonderful idea. I applaud you.
Anonymous1550
Explorer C
So cool - wish my grandpa were still here to enjoy this. One more reason I love SW.
Paul_J___O_Keef
Explorer C
Saturday, May 12, We enjoyed The Thrill Of A Lifetime As Southwest Airlines Flew 40 World War II & Korean War Veterans Plus Guides For Each One Of Us To And From Baltimore. We Were Bussed From Baltimore To OUR Nation's Capital In Washington D. C. To View The World War II, Iwo Jima, Korean, & Viet Nam Beautiful & Sacred Monuments. From The Very Start Of A Leatherneck Led Motorcade Of Over 200 Shining Motorcycles With The Operators Carrying Beautiful American Flags, Escorting Us To The Albany, N. Y. International Airport, Where We Were Greeted With A Band Playing Patriotic Marches & A Young Lady Playing A Bagpipe, Was Very B R E A T H-T A K I N G. As I Also Looked Around On The Bus Viewing A Group Of Happy Veterans Smiling & With Tears Of Joy Flowing Down Their Wrinkled Cheeks (including Mine). I Had The Honor To Talk With Elizabeth Dole, Had Pictures Taken With Her And Got HER Autograph. Was Sorry To Hear Of Her Husband Bob Dole being In Poor Health. Even Got To See Bob Dole's Monument. The Monuments Were Extremely A W E S O M E.. The SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CREW & ATTENDENTS WERE OUTSTANDING. God Bless Them. I Shall Take The Memories Of That Trip To My Grave. THANK YOU SOUTHWEST AIRLINES!!!