Written by Tara Bush, photography by Charles Rushforth
Have you ever heard of Honor Flight? It is a national organization that transports American Veterans to Washington DC to honor and celebrate them for their service and sacrifices for their country. Since 2005, they have transported, free of charge, 273,543 WWII, Korea, and Vietnam Veterans plus 200,210 of their guardians. There are Honor Flight hubs in every state except six, those are handled by the National Lone Eagle Program.
Every year in mid-March, the Central Florida hub hosts a large full-scale event at the Oviedo Mall, located on the east side of Orlando. Not only are there a few hundred classic & modern show vehicles, there are vendors, police display, and bagpipe performances from the City of Mount Dora Pipe Band. This is a great opportunity to meet, talk with, and thank WWII, Korea and Vietnam war heroes. Two Seminole County Fire Department’s hook & ladder trucks raised the dual 
giant American flags for everyone around to see.
One of the best highlights of the event was the McNeely father and son duo with their Honda Generators Race 90 Team’s AT-6 Texan vintage racing airplanes. All five did a flyover in perfect V formation.
This show was open to all years, makes, and models of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The organizers highlighted the model A’s & T’s and motorcycles with a special section. There was even a vintage fire truck from Blue Springs. Hot Rods for Heroes hosted by the Honor Flight Central Florida Hub is one of Florida’s great charity events that should not be missed.
For more photos, visit Charles Rushforth's page HERE.
