Honor Flights Bring Vietnam Vets to National Archives
By Pete Lewis | National Archives News
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2025 – Thanks to the Honor Flight Network, hundreds of veterans from Minnesota and North Dakota, along with their family and guests, visited the National Archives on April 21 and 22.
Gary Guggenberger (right) and other Vietnam War veterans visit the Rotunda of the National Archives in Washington, DC, April 21, 2025. Approximately 360 veterans and their guests were flown to DC from Minnesota and North Dakota, April 21 and 22, thanks to the Honor Flight program. (National Archives photo by Brittney Meadors)
The mission of the Honor Flight Network is to honor American veterans by flying them to Washington, DC, to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to their service and sacrifice. This program aims to provide a free trip to veterans who may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit these sites.
“They visit the National Archives to see the Founding Documents,” said National Archives Tour Coordinator Chrisa Rich. “It's a very moving experience to be here and see the U.S. Constitution that they took an oath to support and defend.”
Many of the veterans expressed appreciation for the opportunity to view, in person, documents that were critical to the founding of this nation and its history.
“Just to see the Constitution—that’s powerful,” said Gary Guggenberger, a retired Army and Vietnam War veteran and former POW. “[The Honor Flight program] is amazing. I’ll go back and tell everyone to get signed up.”
“It’s really overwhelming. Seeing all our history, in itself, is overwhelming,” added Wendell Affield, a 77-year-old Navy and Vietnam War veteran. “In the mornings and the evenings after our tours when we all just get together and share stories with like-minded people, men and women who have experienced the same life experiences—it’s just amazing.”
The National Archives will welcome more than 1,280 veterans throughout the year. Veterans and their guests will visit from Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, and Oklahoma.
To learn more about Honor Flights, including how to volunteer, visit the Honor Flight website.
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