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Veterans' families welcome home 50th Southeast Florida Honor Flight

'I’ve had a lot of memorable moments but this is the best,' said veteran Larry Wicklander
Posted at 9:25 AM, Apr 07, 2024
and last updated 2024-04-07 16:48:15-04

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A veterans honor flight landed at Palm Beach International Airport on Saturday night, the 50th trip for Southeast Florida Honor Flight.

Veterans and veteran families packed the airport waiting for those on the flight to arrive.

World War II Veteran Malcolm Rhinehart said, "I'm always glad to see veterans in a group."

"I think they ought to be well received," Harry Chandler, a Pearl Harbor survivor, added.

It made for a warm welcome for 73 veterans coming home from the journey of a lifetime in Washington, D.C.

Leann Wicklander said her husband Jerry accompanied his father Larry on the trip.

Leann Wicklander greeted her husband and son at Palm Beach International Airport. April 6, 2024
Leann Wicklander greeted her husband and son at Palm Beach International Airport.

"He's been there before, but I think it’s more so about sharing it with other veterans," she said.

Larry Wicklander served in the Korean War.

Larry (left) and Larry Wicklander went on the Honor Flight. April 7, 2024
Larry (left) and Larry Wicklander went on the Honor Flight. April 7, 2024

On Saturday, he and the other veterans were honored with a one-day tour of several memorials and a memorable return.

"I've had a lot of memorable moments but this is the best," Larry Wicklander said.

A total of 73 veterans made the trip to Washington. April 6, 2024
A total of 73 veterans made the trip to Washington.

Larry Wicklander said he's forever proud of his service and now forever grateful for the experience.

"We couldn't have gotten a better day and it was spent with a bunch of veterans. We all deserved to have that day and it was an honor to be picked," he said.