Fort Collins Police Support Veterans Departing for Washington D.C. Memorial Trip
Fort Collins Police officers provided ceremonial support September 28 as local veterans departed for Washington D.C. through the High Plains Honor Flight program, leading the procession as dozens of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam veterans began their journey to visit national memorials built in their honor.
The Fort Collins Police Services Motor Unit and Community Engagement Officer participated in the morning send-off ceremony, which began at the Ranch Events Complex in Loveland before veterans were transported to Northern Colorado Regional Airport for their chartered flight to the nation's capital.
High Plains Honor Flight is a Fort Collins-based nonprofit organization that provides all-expenses-paid trips for veterans to visit Washington D.C. memorials, serving the Northern Colorado region including Larimer and Weld Counties. The program is funded entirely through donations and community sponsorships, making the overnight trips cost-free for participating veterans, according to the organization.
Since the program began in 2008 under its previous name Honor Flight Northern Colorado, the initiative has flown over 3,000 local veterans from the region to Washington D.C. Each trip typically accommodates just over 120 veterans along with volunteer guardians and staff who assist participants throughout the journey.
The standard itinerary includes visits to the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, and Air Force Memorial. Veterans may also visit Arlington National Cemetery depending on scheduling.
High Plains Honor Flight schedules one or two trips annually from Northern Colorado, prioritizing World War II veterans first, followed by Korean War and Vietnam War veterans as space allows. Each veteran is assigned a volunteer guardian to provide assistance during travel, and all participants must be medically stable for the 36-40 hour trip.
The program receives significant community support from local healthcare systems including UCHealth, foundations such as the Weld Legacy Foundation, and events like the Greeley Stampede. Local service organizations, Rotary Clubs, VFW posts and American Legion chapters assist with fundraising and event coordination.
Veterans interested in participating must have served during World War II, Korea or Vietnam and live in the Northern Colorado region. The program gives priority to residents of Larimer and Weld Counties and surrounding areas.
For information about applying for future flights or supporting the program through donations or volunteering, residents can contact High Plains Honor Flight through their website or attend upcoming community fundraising events throughout Northern Colorado.