Medal of Honor recipient Royce Williams, Liliana Armenta of American Legion Post 255, and American Legion Riders Vista Chapter 365 welcomed home San Diego Honor Flight 2026 attendees. (Photo: Elizabeth Perez-Rodriguez)
Nearly 100 San Diego-area Veterans returned home Sunday after a weekend Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., where they visited national memorials dedicated to Veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
Family members, friends, and community supporters—including members of American Legion Post 255 and American Legion Riders Vista Chapter 365—filled the baggage claim area at Terminal 2 at San Diego International Airport to welcome the Veterans back. Many cheered, waved signs, and applauded as the group made its way down the escalator after returning from the nation’s capital.
The Veterans traveled with Honor Flight San Diego, a nonprofit that takes senior Veterans to Washington, D.C., at no cost so they can visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.
The return carried extra meaning for many Vietnam Veterans. Some said the welcome at the airport felt far different from the reception they received decades ago after coming back from war.
“This is so much better than when I came home in ’73,” Navy Veteran Jim Johnson told NBC 7 San Diego. “If I had to do it all over again, I’d do it the same.”
Honor Flight San Diego’s latest trip was its first flight of the year. Founded in 2010, Honor Flight San Diego is part of the national Honor Flight Network, which began its work in 2005. Since its inception, Honor Flight San Diego has flown more than 2,200 local Veterans to Washington, D.C., on 32 trips.
The weekend also included a “Mail Call,” a tradition meant to recreate the experience of receiving letters from home while serving. During the flight, Veterans were surprised with more than 11,000 letters of appreciation from community members, students, and supporters.
Honor Flight San Diego says its mission is to give Veterans time to visit, remember, and connect with others who served. The airport welcome made that mission visible at home, as San Diego residents gathered to thank the Veterans in person after their trip.
The moment was emotional for families. ABC 10News reported that some relatives waited for hours at the airport.
The homecoming served as both a celebration and a thank-you for Veterans whose service stretched across generations. Some in the crowd also saw it as a chance to make sure those Veterans heard the gratitude they deserved years ago.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
