Meadows Field Airport was awash in red, white and blue Wednesday night as crowds welcomed home the latest group of veterans who ventured to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials built in their honor.
Honor Flight Kern County sends veterans, accompanied by guardians, on whirlwind trips at no cost to the veterans. Honor Flight is buoyed by generous donations from the public and businesses.
A moment of silence is observed Wednesday night at Meadows Field Airport. An American flag was carried in honor of Marine Col. Joseph Clerou, who served in World II and Korea. He was honored posthumously. Veterans who went on the 49th Honor Flight from Kern County entered the terminal afterward.
Paul Tyree was the first veteran to come into the terminal, welcomed by an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd carrying American flags and holding signs expressing thanks.
Family members hold a sign for their grandfather and daughter, who arrived at Meadows Field with the return of the 49th Honor Flight on Wednesday night.
A moment of silence is observed Wednesday night at Meadows Field Airport. An American flag was carried in honor of Marine Col. Joseph Clerou, who served in World II and Korea. He was honored posthumously. Veterans who went on the 49th Honor Flight from Kern County entered the terminal afterward.
Rod Thornburg / For The Californian
Paul Tyree was the first veteran to come into the terminal, welcomed by an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd carrying American flags and holding signs expressing thanks.
Rod Thornburg / For The Californian
Veteran Jack Stidham is welcomed home by a crowd at Meadows Field on Wednesday night.
Rod Thornburg / For The Californian
Eight-year-old Paige Simpson holds a sigh for grandfather, who arrived at Meadows field with the return of the 49th Honor Flight.
Rod Thornburg / For The Californian
Family members hold a sign for their grandfather and daughter, who arrived at Meadows Field with the return of the 49th Honor Flight on Wednesday night.
Rod Thornburg / For The Californian
Lots of people came out to honor the veterans who returned home Wednesday night.
Rod Thornburg / For The Californian
A cheering crowd provided a heartfelt welcome home to veterans and guardians who went on the 49th Honor Flight from Kern County.