Governor donates World War II D-Day map to Honor Flight of the Ozarks

After helping to greet returning veterans following the Oct. 25 trip to Washington, D.C., Missouri Gov. Mike Parson gave a large, "Top Secret" map from World War II to Honor Flight of the Ozarks. The map, which depicts the Omaha Beach landing area on D-Day, will be auctioned at the Honor Flight Gala in October 2024. Parson presented a similar map to the St. Louis honor Flight hub, which sold for $10,000.

Honor Flight of the Ozarks directors as well as Springfield Mayor Ken McClure and Airport Director Brian Weiler were in the group that received the map. Director David Thater said, "It is really meaningful to be able to touch a true piece of history and we thank Gov. Parson for this gift."

Money raised from the gala and auction will help fund future Honor Flight trips.

Any veteran who lives in southwest Missouri or northwest Arkansas who received an honorable discharge from the military is eligible to go on an Honor Flight at no cost. The veteran must have served during World War II, Korea, the Vietnam era or the Gulf War. They did not have to serve overseas. Guardians accompany the veterans and take the trip for $500. Veteran and guardian applications are available at honorflightoftheozarks.org. Plans are underway for three Honor Flights in 2024, starting in May.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Governor donates World War II D-Day map to Honor Flight of the Ozarks