Tester welcomes inaugural Big Sky Honor Flight to Washington

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester is welcoming Montana’s “Greatest Generation” to Washington D.C. this weekend.

Ninety-six World War II veterans are in the nation’s capital thanks to the non-profit organization Big Sky Honor Flight.  While in Washington, the veterans will visit the World War II Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

Tester, who grew up playing Taps at memorial services of veterans from both World Wars, said that while the journey will no doubt bring the veterans many memories, it will also give them a chance to pay their respects and honor fallen heroes.

“What our veterans achieved together almost 70 years ago was remarkable,” Tester said this week from the Senate floor.  “They saw danger on the horizon and they enlisted in unprecedented numbers to defend our freedoms and values.  They represented the very best of us.”

Tester noted that the memorial services he attended as a boy “instilled a profound sense of respect that he will never forget.”

“Honoring the service of every generation of American veterans is a Montana value,” Tester said.  “We will always be grateful – and we will never forget your service or your sacrifice.”

This weekend’s trip is the first Big Sky Honor Flight.  In addition to the 96 World War II veterans, one Vietnam veteran is visiting the national capital.

Video of Tester’s floor speech on the Big Sky Honor Flight is available online HERE.

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