Today, And Every Day, We Honor Our Heroes
On Monday, we expressed our gratitude to some veteran Crewmembers and Customers with a special charter of our Vets in Blue aircraft for a day trip to our National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Since last year, JetBlue has supported the museum by providing flights that enable WWII vets from across the country to fly in, experience the museum, and have their stories recorded and archived for future generations.
We hosted an unforgettable experience for our veterans and their guests, including seven veterans of WWII who were celebrated throughout the day, starting with the moment that our EVP Operations Jeff Martin (also an Air Force vet and our First Officer on the flight) called them to pre-board amidst cheers and clapping from the group and Customers passing through Terminal 5.
As our veteran-crewed aircraft taxied toward the runway, we were sent off with a water cannon salute. Looking out the window, we saw another thoughtful touch from our JFK Ground Operations Crewmembers, who rode alongside the aircraft carrying a POW MIA flag in honor of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action veterans.
The day continued in New Orleans with a warm reception from our MSY Crewmembers and the WWII Museum staff. At lunch, we recognized five Crewmembers who have given a combined 799 hours of their personal time volunteering at our T5 USO Center at JFK.
In his remarks, our keynote speaker Lieutenant General George Flynn, USMC (Ret), noted that less than 1 percent of Americans have been on active military duty. And yet, we have all benefited greatly from the service and sacrifice of those in uniform who have put country before self.
“In America, the gift of freedom that we all enjoy is the result of the selfless service of the men and women from every generation who answer the nation’s call and offer their service to protect the way of life that we are privileged to enjoy,” said Lt. Gen. Flynn in his powerful speech. “This is why we take time every November to honor those who have served in pursuit of a greater good.”
When we think about what it means to inspire humanity, service and the idea of putting others first is at the very core. Today, we honor men and women of all branches of our United States Armed Forces.
