This week marked a poignant milestone in the legacy of World War II remembrance. At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, more than 20 World War II veterans boarded what will be the final Soaring Valor group flight to New Orleans. The initiative, a partnership between the Gary Sinise Foundation, the National World War II Museum, and American Airlines, has brought aging veterans to the museum for years. But as the population of surviving World War II veterans continues to decline, this final group flight carries a deep emotional weight.

Veterans and their companions were honored with a ceremonial send-off, paraded through the airport’s concourse as onlookers applauded their service. The atmosphere was one of reverence and gratitude, underscoring the significance of this closing chapter in the Soaring Valor program. The flight carried not only veterans but also students from Ambassador Christian School in Huntersville, North Carolina. Their presence added a multigenerational element to the journey, offering young people a direct connection to the living history of the Second World War.

This final group flight to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans serves as both a tribute and a transition. While organized group flights are ending, the Gary Sinise Foundation has committed to continuing individual trips for any remaining World War II veterans who wish to make the visit. This shift reflects the changing realities of time. Fewer veterans are able to travel due to age or health, and many have already passed on. The foundation’s ongoing efforts ensure that those who can still make the trip will not be forgotten.

Among the passengers was 101-year-old Navy veteran Gloria Kerzner. She served in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) program during the war. Kerzner expressed her excitement about visiting the museum, particularly its exhibits on the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Her personal connection runs deep—her late husband served in the Pacific with the Army Air Force. “I’m very excited to see it,” she said, noting her interest in the Pacific side of the museum. I found this detail striking; it’s a reminder of how personal and intertwined these histories remain for those who lived them.

The aircraft itself bore special significance. The veterans boarded an American Airlines Airbus A321 painted in the airline’s Flagship Valor livery, a visual tribute to military service. The symbolism extended beyond the plane’s exterior. The journey represented the culmination of years of dedication to honoring veterans through immersive historical experiences. For many on board, this trip may be their first—and last—visit to the museum dedicated to the conflict that defined their generation.

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive institutions dedicated to the war. Its exhibits span both major theaters of combat and include personal stories, artifacts, and interactive displays. For veterans like Kerzner, the museum offers a chance to reflect on their service and see their contributions preserved for future generations. The presence of students on the trip reinforces the importance of passing on these stories while those who lived them are still here to tell them.

Soaring Valor flights have long served as more than just transportation—they’ve been a form of recognition, healing, and storytelling. Veterans often describe these journeys as deeply meaningful, giving them a chance to connect with peers and revisit a pivotal chapter of their lives. As the era of World War II veterans draws to a close, programs like this one ensure that their legacy is not only remembered but honored in ways that resonate across generations.

While this final group flight marks the end of an era, it also highlights the enduring power of remembrance. The Gary Sinise Foundation’s commitment to continuing individual trips ensures that the door remains open for any veteran still hoping to walk through the museum’s halls. The involvement of American Airlines and the support of educational institutions like Ambassador Christian School show that honoring history is a shared responsibility—one that spans industries, communities, and age groups.

As the veterans arrived in New Orleans, they were met not just with museum tours and scheduled events, but with the gratitude of a nation. Their presence at the museum adds a living dimension to its exhibits, reminding visitors that history is not just a collection of dates and artifacts, but a tapestry woven by real people with real stories. For those who participated in this final Soaring Valor group flight, the journey was more than symbolic—it was a celebration of courage, a moment of closure, and a testament to the enduring impact of their service.

Read more at wfae.org