World War II veterans welcomed home from Honor Flight

Hopkinsville welcomed home two of their own from a successful Honor Flight Bluegrass Thursday, a program that connects veterans to others and visits memorials in Washington D.C.

Oma Wimberly and Dr. William Atkins, both World War II veterans, received police escorts across the state Thursday after they landed in Louisville on the return trip from the nation’s capital. All through the trip itself they shook hands with thousands of people thanking them for their service. There were about 62 veterans from across western Kentucky on the trip, which visited multiple memorials, spoke with elected officials and more.

Dr. Atkins says the trip was truly impressive and he encourages any veterans who have not participated should get involved, because it is a once in a life time experience.

Lela Hale helps organize the event and says each year is emotional and rewarding, and it allows these World War II veterans a chance to have their stories told.

Each flight is fully equipped with medical staff, individual guardians for each person and a grand homecoming.  There are only around 4,000 veterans remaining in Kentucky and the organizers ask for those who are able to travel to sign up at honorflightbluegrass.com and take the trip.