One of the iconic moments of the federal government shutdown took place at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. last week. National Park security stood by as veterans from an Honor Flight – some in wheelchairs - pushed pass barricades to the closed monument.
The incident did not sway veterans from the bay area who are scheduled to leave today on a one-day visit to Washington’s memorials. Reports of the closed memorials has not stopped the 80 World War II veterans on a West Central Florida Honor Flight.InsteadBoard member Barbara Howard says she and others contacted members of congress.
"It is their right to see their memorials so I felt very very sad that there was this unintended consequence the memorials being shut down but I’m really happy they’ve made arrangements now that WWII veterans can get in and see them", Howard said.
She received an email from a member of congress that said Honor Flight veterans could visit certain memorials under their First Amendment Rights.
"We’ll be able to go into the WWII Memorial, we’ll be able to go by the Korean and I think possibly the Vietnam", Howard said. "I don’t know that they’ll be able to go up into the Lincoln Memorial – we’re not sure that those stairs will be open.
Two other West Central Florida Honor Flight are scheduled October 29 and November 12.