Congressman Ryan Zinke (R–Mont.) this week welcomed Montana’s inaugural Honor Flight as 32 veterans from across the state traveled to the nation’s capital to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to their service.
Zinke met the group at the U.S. Navy Memorial, where he spoke with the veterans, answered questions, and reflected on the meaning of military service. The three-day trip includes visits to the Korean War Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other sites of national remembrance.
Thirty of the Montana participants served in Vietnam, and two served in the Korean War. For many, it was their first time visiting the memorials built in their honor.
“The coming home experience for many of our Vietnam era veterans was very different than when I came home, and one of my missions as a Congressman is to make sure that injustice is never repeated,” Zinke said. “Montana has a proud tradition of service, and this journey gives those who defended our nation the chance to see the memorials and monuments built in their honor. Being part of this experience was truly powerful and meaningful. These men and women are, and will always be, heroes.”
Dr. Lori Drumm, Director of the Continental Divide Honor Flight hub in Deer Lodge, praised Zinke’s presence at the Navy Memorial. “He took time to visit, share stories, and take photos with each of them—making the day even more meaningful as we celebrated their service and sacrifice,” Drumm said.
The Honor Flight Network, founded in 2005, provides veterans with free, all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., to visit war memorials. What began as a small program serving World War II veterans has since grown to more than 130 hubs nationwide, flying over 300,000 veterans to the capital. Montana’s Deer Lodge hub is the latest to join the network, ensuring the state’s veterans have access to the program.
The trip marked the first Honor Flight organized out of Montana, bringing together veterans from across the state to reflect, heal, and be honored.