‘Let's welcome them home:' Community unites to give veterans a hero's welcome
Bethany Johnson, executive director of Honor Flight Columbus, reads out the first set of names.
'Let's welcome them home,' Johnson said.
The hallway erupted in cheers and waving flags as 19 veterans walked through the middle of the celebration. A few stepped into the middle to shake veterans' hands and thank them for their service.
The welcome home celebration, the final event of the Honor Flight at Home, Marion program, is a favorite among participants.
Donald Belt who served as a U.S. Marine from 1968-1972 and was a participant in Saturday's program. Encouraged by loved ones, he decided to sign up for Honor Flight at Home.
'I just wanted to be there with my people,' Belt said.
Duward Azbell served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968. He previously had been on Honor Flight Columbus and was accompanying another veteran during Saturday's at-home program.
Azbell said he's grateful to have made it home from his time in service and shares his gratitude by participating in Honor Flight.
'I'm even more honored that our country doesn't forget us,' Azbell said.
This year marked the sixth program Honor Flight at Home has done. In that time, Honor Flight at Home has honored 135 veterans, which is the equivalent to about a plane and half.
Honor Flight at Home, Marion, was founded by Margie Saull to honor veterans who can't fly to Washington, D.C., through Honor Flight. The at-home program brings Washington, D.C., to the veterans instead.
The program invites any veteran who is age 65 or older with at least one day of active service to be part of the program.
Veterans at the June 7 event were given Honor Flight shirts, a badge and had their photo taken. They listened to speakers, received letters from loved ones and thankful community members and were honored individually for their service.
The program ends with the loved ones of veterans and community members lining the hallway cheering for veterans as they leave.
The next Honor Flight at Home, Marion program will be June 6, 2026. Those interested in participating can fill out an application and send it to Saull at saullgw4@yahoo.com. She can also be reached at 740-360-8902.
'The most challenging thing is to find the veterans,' Saull said.
Saull encouraged participants and guests to promote Honor Flight to other veterans who may be interested. She said she takes applications from both Honor Flight Columbus and Honor Flight at Home, Marion with her wherever she goes. If she sees a veteran while she's out, she'll thank them for their service and tell them about Honor Flight.
'So if I'm in Walmart or Kroger's, I might take a little longer shopping, but that's okay,' Saull said. 'I'm talking to veterans, convincing them they need to be honored, whether it be going on to D.C. or coming to the Marion program.'
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Honor Flight at Home Marion honors veterans and families
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