November 10, 2023
By BARTON HENLEY
Rutherford County Schools
Twice a year, veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam fly out from Nashville International Airport to Washington, D.C., to visit the National Mall.
Addison Newsom — senior at Riverdale and current Battalion Commander of Riverdale JROTC — had the chance in September to attend the Middle Tennessee Honor Flight.
Colonel Leonard Brannom — Senior Army Instructor and Riverdale JROTC Instructor —approached Newsom with the opportunity to attend the Honor Flight.
“It was my first time flying on an airplane, so I was a little nervous,” Newsome said. “I traveled with a Vietnam War veteran. He had never been to Washington. It was really special.”
Newsom said the Nashville airport conducted a water salute over the Southwest airplane before it departed.
“There were people everywhere the whole day,” Newsome said. “Everyone was clapping, cheering, and supporting the veterans. It was really humbling to be a part of it.”
Newsom said the Lincoln Memorial was her favorite site to visit during the day.
She also mentioned she was able to see Arlington Cemetery and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“The atmosphere around the entire day was so special,” Newsom said. “A lot of the veterans on the flight were disabled, so seeing their daily sacrifice so I can have freedom was humbling.”
Veterans on the flight pay nothing as all airfare, meals, and incidentals are covered by donations to Tennessee Honor Flight.
For more information on the Honor Flight: https://honorflightmidtn.org