World War II Veterans Take Final Charter Flights to New Orleans Museum

Several groups across the U.S. honored World War II veterans with special flights and museum visits as their numbers continue to dwindle. In Charlotte, over 20 veterans took part in the final Soaring Valor group charter flight organized by American Airlines, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and the National WWII Museum to visit the museum in New Orleans, an event described as both emotional and historically significant by participants. Among them was 100-year-old Robert Crecco, a Normandy invasion veteran, and 101-year-old Navy veteran Gloria Kerzner, marking a poignant farewell to this particular group travel program. Concurrently, in Decatur, Illinois, local WWII veterans including a 101-year-old pilot were treated to free flights in a restored 1940s biplane, a project led by volunteer pilot Darryl Fisher to provide unique experiences to elderly veterans. Both programs aim to honor the legacy of the Greatest Generation by offering memorable tributes and educational opportunities alongside younger generations. Though organized group flights are ending, veterans are still encouraged to visit the museum on individual trips at no cost.