The Avon Echo

by: TaniLynn Leong

On October 21st, Interact club held their annual fall Honor Flight, bringing veterans to Washington D.C.

Honor Flight is an organization that honors those who have served our country. Maris Gerbers, a junior and director of Avon Interact club, said that these events held by Honor Flight are important to honor the many men and women who have served our country.

Indy Honor Flight is an all-day event that starts at 3:30 am. Veterans, joined by Interact members, arrive at Plainfield High School to have breakfast before starting the day and heading on their flight to Washington D.C.

“They take veterans of war out to Washington D.C for one day to walk around the monuments,” said Gerbers. “They don’t know that any of this is happening, and it’s really cool to see their faces just light up.”

Interact club has been the main volunteers for the event since 2020, after the pandemic shut down the program. After the pandemic, Interact was the first club to offer their help to the group.

“It usually fills up fast and it’s one of the favorite events despite the hours,” Gerbers said. “The veterans love it when we’re there. Seeing young faces just starts them off on the right track for their big day.”

Gerbers said that even though it is early, she loves to show her appreciation towards the group. Honor Flight was created to give veterans an opportunity not only to visit the capital, but also a chance to honor lost family and friends.

“A lot of times [veterans] will be recognized through discounts at stores or different sporting events,” Gerbers said. “There’s not much more beyond that and they deserve so much recognition for what they did.”

Gerbers said her favorite part overall is the conversations she has with veterans. She said that they have so much to say and are always open to speaking about their experiences. Although October 21st was the last Flight of 2023, she said that four Flights are already planned for next year.

“I have the opportunity to sit down with them and just listen to their experiences,” said Gerbers. “Some don’t get a chance to talk much, so it’s really cool to hear their stories.”