Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution begins an Honor Flight in Ashburn, VA

On May 14, 2022, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in a ceremony to begin an Honor Flight from Ashburn, Virginia.

The Honor Flight Network is a national network of non-profit independent groups working together to honor our nation’s veterans with an all-expenses-paid trip to see their respective memorials located in Washington, D.C.

Honor Flight Top of Virginia covers the lower Shenandoah Valley and Loudoun County. Their vision is “A nation where all of America’s veterans experience the honor, gratitude, and community of support they deserve.”

As recorded on their website, “Participation gives veterans a chance to share with other veterans, to remember friends and comrades lost and share stories and experiences with each other.” Top priority is given to members of the greatest generation – World War II survivors, along with veterans who may be terminally ill.

They currently accept applications from any Veterans who served prior to 1975. Memorials visited include the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery, where they watch a changing of the Guard.

To begin the day, veterans gather with their guardians to socialize and get to know one another. During an opening ceremony, Randolph Macon Academy provided an Honor Guard to present the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.

participants from the SAR, l. to r. Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Will Reynolds, Paul Christensen, Ken Bonner, Brett Osborn and Allan Phillips.

Colonel James Wood II and Sgt Maj John Champe SAR Chapters provided sentinels. The ceremony was followed by a procession by the veterans through a Sons of the American Revolution Honor Guard along a Walk of Honor.

Ken Bonner leading the flags along the Walk of Honor.

Participating in the Colonel James Wood II Chapter were Paul Christensen, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Brett Osborn, Allan Phillips, and Will Reynolds. They were joined by Sgt Maj John Champe’s compatriot Ken Bonner.

Allan Phillips, Paul Christensen and Brett Osborn as sentinels along the Walk of Honor. (Photos courtesy of Thomas “Chip” Daniel.)

Special recognition is given to Dianne Kopp, President of Honor Flight, Top of Virginia, for her exemplary efforts in running this program to honor our veterans.