Former President Barack Obama seems to enjoy popping up when we least expect him— this week is no different and he did so in the most heartwarming way! Ahead of Veterans Day, with many holiday celebrations previously canceled due to the government shutdown, his surprise visit gave dozens of Korean and Vietnam War veterans a long-overdue thank you.
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When the veterans’ Honor Flight landed in Washington, D.C. from Wisconsin, Obama stepped onboard to surprise the Badger Honor Flight veterans, marking a moment that is being called a first. A video captured the heartwarming moment Obama stepped into the view of the plane’s cabin, decorated in red, blue and dotted with American flags. “Hello, everybody,” he said casually, as jaws dropped and a roar of excitement was heard in the background.
“As we approach Veterans Day, I wanted to stop by and just say thank you for your extraordinary service—to you, your family. The sacrifices that all of you made to protect our country is something that will always be honored,” Obama told them.
“That’s the first time I’ve seen a president, former or current, greet an Honor Flight, and that is absolutely amazing,” Captain Mary Quigley U.S. Navy, Retired, said after witnessing the occasion.
After surprising them, Obama personally greeted each veteran— some walking, others in wheelchairs— with a handshake. He also presented them with a Presidential Challenge Coin, according to CBS News.
One man joked, “Last time I got to see a president it was Gerald Ford.” Obama responded with his trademark smile, patted him on his shoulder and replied, “How ’bout that?”
The veterans were welcomed with a warm reception that was far different from what many had experienced decades ago. U.S. Army Veteran Greg Adkins reflected on how meaningful the moment was, recalling a time when he stepped off a plane to no welcome and nearly to boos.
Honor Flight Networks, a national nonprofit organization celebrating its 2oth year, takes veterans to national memorials to give them the recognition many never received when they first came home.
While some X users dismissed Obama’s gesture as staged, many were there for all the feels of a president known for his deeply human approach to leadership.
One X user wrote, “Trump would never do this. He’s all about the show. He doesn’t care about veterans-only for props or care about anyone else but himself.”
Another X user wrote, “Obama walks onto a plane and lifts spirits. The other guy walked into a stadium and got booed.”
“President Obama has always respected veterans,” one user posted with a 2009 video of Obama boarding a plane to welcome home fallen soldiers from the war in Afghanistan, marking the first time a president had participated in a dignified transfer.
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