Former President Barack Obama delivered a heartfelt surprise to a group of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans as they arrived in Washington, D.C., for Veterans Day memorial visits.
According to Fox News, Obama boarded the Honor Flight plane just before the veterans, who had traveled from Madison, Wisconsin, were set to disembark, taking to the intercom to thank them for their service.
“Hello, everybody,” Obama said from the front of the plane, drawing audible gasps from the astonished veterans. The cabin, decorated with American flags and red, white, and blue streamers, amplified the emotional moment.
“What!” exclaimed one veteran, while another in a red cap and jacket was seen in disbelief, mouth wide open, as the greeting unfolded—a moment captured in a video posted to Obama’s X account.
“As we approach Veterans Day, I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for your extraordinary service,” Obama continued. “To you, your family — the sacrifices that you all made to protect our country is something that will always be honored, and we are very grateful.”
As the veterans exited Reagan National Airport, Obama shook hands with each of them, presenting presidential challenge coins, a tradition in which presidents recognize service or contributions to the nation.
“Ahead of Veterans Day, I was honored to welcome a flight of veterans and their families as they arrived in D.C.,” Obama said in the X post. “To all those who bravely served our country, thank you to you and your family for your extraordinary service. The sacrifices that all of you made to protect our country will be honored today and every day.”
The veterans’ trip was organized by Honor Flight, a nonprofit launched in 2005 to provide free visits to Washington, D.C., memorials. The program, operating in 46 states, has transported over 300,000 veterans, funded entirely by donations and volunteers.
Veterans were greeted by cheering crowds at the arrivals gate. “I had tears in my eyes,” said Army veteran Joe Parr. “I just couldn’t believe that there were that many people around who remembered us and were there to greet us. It was just unbelievable.”
Capt. Mary Quigley, a U.S. Navy veteran and volunteer, noted the significance of Obama’s personal greeting. “A leader who’s going to show up and tell you that your service was worth something — I think that’s the important part — so I think it was a great thing,” she said.
Army veteran Greg Adkins reflected on past experiences: “Back then, you got off the plane, and you had no welcome, and people were almost booing you.” U.S. Navy veteran Nels Swenson added, “It makes me feel good” to see veterans now properly honored.
Seventy-nine veterans and their families participated in the flight.
