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Veterans given grand tour by Central Valley Honor Flight
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Central Valley veterans and guardians gather at the U.S. Capitol with Representatives Adam Gray, Jim Costa, David Valadao, Tom McClintock, and Vince Fong during the 32nd Honor Flight visit on Sept. 9. The group, representing service across World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, received a warm welcome and Capitol tour as part of a three-day journey honoring their sacrifice and legacy. - photo by Photo Contributed

Seventy-three veterans from California’s Central Valley received a hero’s welcome in the nation’s capital on Sept. 9 as part of the 32nd Central Valley Honor Flight, a three-day journey to honor their military service.

The group, which included veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, began the day with a Capitol Police escort to the U.S. Capitol Building, where they were greeted by several members of Congress, including Rep. Adam Gray (CA-13), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Rep. David Valadao (CA-22), Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-5), and Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20).

Rep. Gray addressed the veterans from the House Floor before joining them for a Capitol tour. “Central Valley veterans’ bravery, selflessness, and commitment to our nation are truly remarkable,” Gray said. “It was an honor to welcome and spend the morning with some of our veterans and their loved ones.”

Gray also highlighted his recently introduced STRIVE Act, which aims to reduce copay debt burdens for veterans receiving care at VA clinics. The bill passed unanimously out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee in July and would prevent the Department of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain overdue copays caused by administrative delays or errors.

The Honor Flight Network, a national nonprofit, organizes these trips to Washington, D.C., giving veterans the opportunity to visit war memorials and connect with fellow servicemembers. For many, the experience was deeply emotional.

“I watch a lot of C-SPAN, but it’s nothing like seeing it in person,” Lynn Psaltis, an Air Force veteran said to Fresno television station CBS47 and KSEE24, after touring the Capitol Rotunda and Congressional chambers.

The day continued with visits to the World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Navy Memorial, where veterans watched a ceremonial performance by the U.S. Navy’s Ceremonial Guard. Stops also included the Marine Corps War Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and the National Museum of the U.S. Army, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary.

The Honor Flight concluded with veterans returning home to the Central Valley with a heroes’ welcome after a whirlwind tour filled with gratitude, reflection, and celebration.