Vietnam vets will return home from D.C. day trip at conclusion of July 24 air show
One of the most emotional and poignant moments each year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh returns in 2026 as 100 Vietnam War vets take a Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on July 24 as part of AirVenture’s annual salute to veterans. The 73rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Veterans from the Vietnam War will be honored as they travel to the nation’s capital to tour war memorials at no cost to them. The veterans will return to Oshkosh at the conclusion of the Friday afternoon air show and thousands of people will welcome them back home and give them the recognition they deserve.
“The Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight is one of the most memorable events of AirVenture week and our Salute to Veterans activities each year,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming. “This event that honors what Vietnam veterans did for this country and provides them an experience of a lifetime, while giving AirVenture attendees an opportunity to say, ‘Thanks and welcome home.’”
This is the 12th year that the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight has originated at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh under the auspices of Missions of Honor (formerly Old Glory Honor Flight) of Appleton, Wisconsin. That non-profit organization has organized dozens of Honor Flights since 2009 with a dedicated group of volunteers. Those flights have included special flights to Pearl Harbor and to Vietnam.
“Each Honor Flight mission is a special occasion, but the ability to be a part of EAA AirVenture always creates unforgettable moments,” said Diane MacDonald, Missions of Honor executive director. “Honoring our local Vietnam veterans out of EAA AirVenture is such a highlight; being witness to the enthusiasm, respect, and appreciation from the world’s aviation enthusiasts when the flight returns to Oshkosh is such an incredible sight to see and it means the world to the men and women who get to experience it.”
American Airlines is again supplying an aircraft for the flight, which is flown by an all-volunteer crew of American Airlines pilots and cabin attendants.
Missions of Honor is inviting area veterans who are currently on their waitlist. In addition, other Vietnam veterans who are already attending AirVenture 2026 are invited to apply prior to June 6 for a drawing for one of approximately 15 seats available on the flight.
More information is available online regarding Missions of Honor or to make donations to the organization.
