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Contact: Mary Van Buren
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Embry-Riddle Hosts Veterans Before Journey to WWII Memorial in Nation’s Capital

Daytona Beach, Fla., Sept. 11, 2009 -- Embry-Riddle President John P. Johnson will welcome a group of local World War II veterans at a special brunch to be held Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon in the University’s ICI Center. The event will serve as a kick-off ceremony and information session for the veterans before their flight to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Oct. 3, to visit the World War II Memorial.

Organized by the three Rotary Clubs of DeLand, Fla., the Volusia Honor Air (VHA) flight will escort 100 World War II veterans to our nation’s capital free of charge. This flight is the fourth that VHA has sponsored for area veterans to express appreciation for their service and sacrifice by giving them the opportunity to visit the great city they saved and the memorial built in their honor.

The World War II Memorial, which opened in 2004, honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the United States, the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home.

The veterans, whose average age is 85, will be accompanied on their journey by guardians (chaperones), a medical doctor, two paramedics, and a documentary film crew.

Arriving at Daytona Beach International Airport the day of their flight, the veterans will receive red carpet treatment, with members of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Department in full dress uniform standing at attention. After a special screening by airport security, they’ll board a privately chartered airplane to Washington, D.C., where they’ll be greeted with a water-cannon salute and given a police escort to Arlington National Cemetery and the Library of Congress.

Approximately 280 people will attend the Embry-Riddle brunch, with program details following below.

10 a.m.

Welcome and introductions by Bill Mancinik, VHA founder
Presentation of joint color guard by Embry-Riddle ROTC units
National Anthem by AcaFellas, Embry-Riddle a capella singers
Pledge of Allegiance

10:15 a.m.

Introduction of Dr. John P. Johnson, Embry-Riddle President
Remarks by Dr. John P. Johnson

10:30 a.m.

Missing Man Ceremony in remembrance of Americans still missing

10:40 a.m.

Blessing by Rev. Melynne Rust, Embry-Riddle chaplain

10:45 a.m.

Brunch
Fellowship with veterans and guardians

11:15 a.m.

Welcome and introductions by Bernadette Britz-Parker, chair of VHA Flight Four
Recognition of past flight chairpersons
Recognition of VHA committee members
Recognition of medical staff
Presentation of plaques
Guardian instruction in lobby
Flight day itinerary review
Instructions by airport staff
Arrival information
Security information
Breakfast information
Q&A session

Noon

Adjournment

For more information, call (386) 738-5500 or visit www.volusiahonorair.org.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach, Fla., through the Worldwide Campus at more than 130 campus centers in the United States, Europe, Canada, and the Middle East, and through online learning. For more information, visit www.embryriddle.edu.