If you find yourself at the boarding gates at Austin’s airport on certain Fridays this year, you may witness a parade unlike anything you’ve seen before.

AUSTIN, Texas — It’s a tradition that sometimes takes travelers who are waiting to board planes at Austin’s airport by surprise.

With bagpipes blaring and a solemn honor guard, several dozen military veterans from across Central Texas march to their gate to board a plane that will take them to Washington, D.C. It will happen several times at the airport around midday on Fridays during 2026.

The nonprofit organization, Honor Flight Austin, sends veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War on an expense-paid weekend trip to the nation’s capital to visit the memorials built in recognition of their service and sacrifice.

The mission is simple yet profound: to honor, thank and celebrate those who answered the call to serve their country during times of conflict. Veterans are free to talk about their wartime experiences with other veterans, sometimes sharing painful memories that they had kept hidden.

Vietnam War Veteran Phil David said his Honor Flight journey changed his life. David said he had been haunted by the combat deaths of his fellow Marines during a hostile attack.

“They (Honor Flight Austin) allowed me to open up my heart my mind,” David said of his trip. “They said ‘Hey Phil, you are somebody that we care about.’ And that’s what Honor Flight is.”

During her Honor Flight Austin visit to Washington last spring, Linda Knightstep – a U.S. Army nurse who served during the Vietnam war – had the honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“It was to the depth of your soul to know they are guarding the souls of others,” Knightstep said.

Other veterans recount similar, powerful experiences that came from sharing their sometimes painful memories of military service with others.

The trips are offered free of charge. All expenses are covered through donations and community support.

Since beginning the flights, Honor Flight Austin has served over 3,600 veterans. The flights are open to those who served in the military prior to June 1975. Veterans or their family members can find out more information at honorflightaustin.org.

Through this powerful experience, Honor Flight Austin says that they want to ensure that the sacrifices of America’s heroes are remembered and deeply appreciated.