Day 1
Morning
Airport Arrival
You can feel the excitement build as the veterans arrive at the airport. Stories start to flow, and new friendships take root over donuts and coffee. We’re a snappy, patriotic group dressed in red, white, and blue. The veterans wear their signature blue Honor Flight DFW jackets, shirts, and hats—many proudly displaying their service medals. Guardians and support crew stand out in their red-and-white uniforms. Spirits are soaring as everyone boards the commercial flight that will carry them toward a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Wheels Up for DC
As the veterans make their way down the terminal toward their plane, passengers welcome them with smiles, handshakes, cheers, and heartfelt gratitude. Once on board, the appreciation continues with clapping and warm greetings from fellow travelers and the flight crew. After everyone is settled, the aircraft is honored with a simple but meaningful water-cannon salute from the Dallas Fire Department—a fitting start to their three-hour flight and the unforgettable journey ahead.
Afternoon
The Memorials
The first stop on the journey is the World War II Memorial, which opened in 2004. The memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served, the more than 400,000 who gave their lives, and the countless others who supported the war effort from home.
From there, the tour continues to the Korean War Veterans Memorial—a powerful and deeply moving tribute. Nineteen stainless steel statues of soldiers, dressed in full combat gear, appear to move across a field on patrol. Alongside them, a black granite wall is etched with the faces of those who supported the war effort—service members, nurses, chaplains, and others—creating a haunting reflection of the statues and symbolizing the many who served during the Korean War. The Wall of Remembrance (added in 2022) lists over 36,000 American and 7,100 Korean names, organized by rank and branch, on 100 panels.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial offers another moment of quiet reflection. The long, black granite Wall bears the names of more than 58,000 service members who lost their lives or remain missing. Many veterans pause to find a friend, family, classmate, or comrade-in-arms, gently tracing their names. Nearby, the Three Servicemen statue and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial add human presence and depth to the experience.
The stop at the Lincoln Memorial ties all three together, a powerful reminder of our nation’s ideals and the sacrifices made to protect them.
Evening
Dinner Banquet
That evening, the veterans are honored in Washington with a Heroes’ Banquet. Alongside the HFDFW veterans, the banquet includes an honor guard to present the colors, active-duty service members, and special guest speakers who share words of gratitude and reflection.
Afterward, it’s lights out—time to rest and recharge for a full and meaningful second day of touring.
Day 2
Morning
Arlington Cemetery
The next stop for the veterans is Arlington National Cemetery to witness the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Oftentimes, HFDFW is granted the distinct honor of participating in the Wreath Laying Ceremony, where four Honor Flight DFW veterans place a wreath at the Tomb on behalf of the entire group.
The Sentinels and the veterans share a deep mutual respect, and after the ceremony the young guards often come out to greet the veterans, shake their hands, and answer their questions—a meaningful exchange between generations of service.
Following the ceremony, the veterans visit the gravesite of America’s most decorated WWII soldier—Medal of Honor Recipient and fellow Texan—Audie Murphy. Murphy died in 1971 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, where his gravesite is one of the most visited.
Afternoon Events
Each Honor Flight DFW trip is unique and may change due to many variables—from weather and demonstrations to traffic delays. However, in addition to visiting the war memorials, we always strive to tour each of the Service Branch Memorials, along with a few special surprises along the way.
Our veterans often describe these visits as powerful and deeply meaningful. Standing before the Marine Corps War Memorial (“Iwo Jima”), looking out across the sweeping heights of the United States Air Force Memorial, or visiting the United States Navy Memorial and its iconic Lone Sailor statue—which symbolizes every sailor who has served, standing watch with dignity, courage, and readiness—gives each veteran an opportunity to reflect on their service, their sacrifices, and the legacy of those who served beside them.
On some trips, the itinerary includes a visit to one of Washington, D.C.’s remarkable museums, which often sparks memories, conversations, and a renewed sense of connection. On select trips, our veterans are also treated to a special private concert and dance performance by the United States Air Force Band—an experience that always fills the room with pride, emotion, and gratitude.
No matter the path we take, every Honor Flight DFW journey is designed to honor, uplift, and celebrate the men and women who served our nation.
Evening
Journey Home
The veterans and guardians head back to Dallas, filled with pride, joy, and stories to share - tired, but with hearts full from an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
