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Embry-Riddle Hosts Veterans Before Journey to WWII Memorial in Nation’s Capital
Daytona Beach, Fla., April 6, 2010
Embry-Riddle President John P. Johnson will welcome a group of local World War II veterans at a special brunch to be held Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to noon in the University’s ICI Center. The event will serve as a kick-off ceremony and information session for the veterans before their flight to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, May 8, to visit the World War II Memorial.
Organized by the three Rotary Clubs of DeLand, Fla., the Volusia Honor Air (VHA) flight will escort 110 World War II veterans to our nation’s capital free of charge. This flight is the fifth that VHA has sponsored for area veterans to express appreciation for their service and sacrifice by giving them the opportunity to visit the great city they saved and the memorial built in their honor.
The World War II Memorial, which opened in 2004, honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the United States, the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home.
The veterans, whose average age is 85, will be accompanied on their journey by guardians (chaperones), a medical doctor, two paramedics, and a documentary film crew.
Arriving at Daytona Beach International Airport the day of their flight, the veterans will receive red carpet treatment, with members of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Department in full dress uniform standing at attention. After a special screening by airport security, they’ll board a privately chartered airplane to Washington, D.C., where they’ll be greeted with a water-cannon salute and given a police escort to Arlington National Cemetery and the Library of Congress.
Approximately 350 people will attend the Embry-Riddle brunch, with program details following below.
10 a.m.
Welcome and introductions by Bill Mancinik, VHA founder
Presentation of joint color guard by Embry-Riddle ROTC units
National Anthem by AcaFellas, Embry-Riddle a capella singers
Pledge of Allegiance
10:15 a.m.
Introduction of Dr. John P. Johnson, Embry-Riddle President
Remarks by Dr. John P. Johnson
10:30 a.m.
Missing Man Ceremony in remembrance of Americans still missing
10:40 a.m.
Blessing by Rev. Melynne Rust, Embry-Riddle chaplain
10:45 a.m.
Brunch Fellowship with veterans and guardians
11:15 a.m.
Welcome and introductions by Brad Strickland, chair of VHA Flight Five
Recognition of past flight chairpersons
Recognition of VHA committee members
Recognition of medical staff
Presentation of plaques
Flight day itinerary review
Instructions by airport staff
Arrival information
Security information
Breakfast information
Q&A session
Noon
Adjournment
For more information, call (386) 738-5500 or visit www.volusiahonorair.org.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, is a nonprofit, independent institution offering more than 40 baccalaureate, master's and Ph.D. degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business and Engineering. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., and through the Worldwide Campus with more than 150 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The university is a major research center, seeking solutions to real-world problems in partnership with the aerospace industry, other universities and government agencies. For more information, visit http://www.embryriddle.edu, follow us on Twitter (@EmbryRiddle) and facebook.com/EmbryRiddleUniversity, and find expert videos at YouTube.com/EmbryRiddleUniv.
