A Talons Out Honor Flight will depart from Michigan to Washington, D.C. this month with Vietnam War veterans from southwest Michigan. The flight was made possible by 17-year-old Alice Kraatz of Kalamazoo, who raised more than $140,000 to take the veterans to the nation’s capital to see the memorials built in their honor. The trip, named C.A.R. Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight, will take the veterans to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in a wreath-laying, then to the National Mall to visit the memorials honoring those who served. The veterans will receive the Vietnam War Commemorative Pin during a special pinning ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and on their flight home, the veterans will receive letters from loved ones and supporters to read during one-last “Mail Call.” The Honor Flight will include veterans from throughout southwest Michigan. The trip leaves June 18.
