(March 2023) As Honor Flight San Diego (HFSD) began to fly Vietnam Veterans, the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation had the unique opportunity to assist the organization. HFSD took a plane filled with Navy HA(L)-3 Seawolves from the Vietnam War. We were able to help them remember the 44 fallen Seawolves who were killed in action.
The local community and our Board of Directors came out to Miramar National Cemetery to help fold 44 American Flags, so they could go on the Honor Flight and could be part of special presentations on the Honor Flight. These flags were part of the 50 on our Avenue of Flags that fly over our heroes and their families, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
After we helped fold the flags, they were packaged with a picture and a bio of each fallen Seawolf. Each flag went to Washington, D.C. on the Honor Flight so that their fallen brother’s memory could be reunited with the 85 living Seawolves.
When the Seawolves returned from the flight, Honor Flight San Diego mailed each of the flags, with the fallen Seawolf’s photo and a special note from us authenticating that the flag had flown over Miramar National Cemetery. The organization received thank you notes from the families. One read,
“My father has been dead for many years; however, he is still the center of my world. To know that other people still remember him makes my day. Thank you for honoring my father.”
The Navy HA(L)-3 Seawolves flew more day and night missions, and more combat missions than any other unit in Vietnam. They are still the most decorated unit in Naval Aviation History. It was our honor to help show the families of the 44 KIA Seawolves that their HERO will never be forgotten.
