Walden greets C. Oregon veterans on D.C. Honor Flight

Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., greeted two World War II and 23 Korean War veterans who came to Washington, D.C. last week to visit their memorials on the National Mall through the Honor Flight of Central Oregon.

The veterans, all of whom come from Deschutes and Jefferson counties, met Walden at the World War II Memorial and were presented American flags flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of their service to our country.

“Every time I have the chance to meet one of these heroes, I am reminded of the poignant words of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. In a message to Allied troops just before D-Day, he said, ‘The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you,'” said Walden. “Over 70 years later, liberty-loving people everywhere continue to owe heroes like the veterans who traveled to the nation’s capital last week for their extraordinary service and their incredible sacrifice and bravery on behalf of our country.”

In addition to presenting the veterans with an American flag flown over the Capitol building, Walden entered into the Congressional Record the names of each veteran who participated in the Honor Flight of Central Oregon.

“Each of us in this chamber and in this nation should be humbled by the courage of these brave veterans who put themselves in harm’s way for our country and way of life,” wrote Walden in the Congressional Record. “As a nation, we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to them for their honor, commitment, and sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we have today. My colleagues, please join me in thanking these veterans and the volunteers of Honor Flight of Central Oregon for their exemplary dedication and service to this great country.”

The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created to honor America’s veterans. The organization transports veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials — with priority given to World War II survivors and veterans who may be terminally ill. Over 200,000 veterans have been honored through the Honor Flight Network of volunteers nationwide since 2005. Walden often meets with Oregon veterans who come to Washington, D.C. as part of the Honor Flight Network, and flies flags over the Capitol in honor of each veteran participating in the Honor Flight, along with entering their names into the Congressional Record.