HonorAir plans reunion

After organizing six flights carrying veterans to see the World War II Memorial, after helping to spread the HonorAir idea nationwide and guiding dozens of other communities through the process, Jeff Miller might be expected to rest.

Instead, he has one more idea. Not surprisingly, it’s about honoring veterans, again.

HonorAir plans a reunion of veterans. All are invited: Those who went on the trip and those who did not, those who served in any era.

The reunion is set for 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Historic Courthouse on South Main Street.

“It’s much appreciated,” veteran Bill Jones said when told of the reunion. “I appreciated the trip to Washington. I’ve been feeling out of sorts, but I think I can make it.”

The event will feature the Buddy K Band playing ‘30s and ‘40s swing tunes, scenes from a new WWII-era play by retired theater teacher Tom Orr and two popular headliners, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole and former Sen. Bob Dole.

Elizabeth Dole, a Salisbury native who is running for re-election to a second term, and Bob Dole, the Republican nominee for president in 1996, will speak. The Doles will speak more than once, as the reunion is planned so veterans can see the ceremony on the hour without having to stay all afternoon.

“We’re going to do this one up to the nines,” said Miller.

Miller started HonorAir after hearing about an Air Force veteran in Ohio who was flying veterans to the new WWII memorial a few at a time. Miller spearheaded the approach of sending 100 at a time on a charter jet, and the idea has caught on coast to coast. Henderson County’s HonorAir program flew 650 WWII veterans to Washington in six trips in 2006 and 2007.

All veterans and the public are invited to the free event. Chairs will be reserved for the WWII veterans; others are asked to bring a chair if they’re able. Free shuttles will be available from Wachovia Bank on South Main, the new courthouse on Grove Street and the county building on King Street.

For more information, contact Miller at (828) 693-7426.