The Fourth of July is a day we celebrate our nation's independence and a time to honor those who have fought for our country since it was founded.
An organization on the Space Coast recognizes World War II and Korean veterans every month with food and friendship.
The Space Coast Honor Flight monthly lunch gathering is always a packed house filled with camaraderie, stories, and of course, shrimp.
World War II Veteran Joseph Lendle, 93, of Titusville is the recipient of The Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and was a POW.
“I appreciate each person who thanks me,” said Lendle.
He was one of the first veterans to take an Honor Flight to our nation’s capital.
Each trip takes 25 veterans and their guardian escorts on a whirlwind 24 hour journey to visit the war memorials in in Washington, D.C.
Memories last a lifetime, and very urgent too, as our country's oldest vets are passing away each day.
“We actually started this because one of the veterans who went on a trip said 'what's next, we need to be doing something else,” said Marcia Lambert from Space Coast Honor Flight.
Three years ago the monthly lunch meetings began and are now being held at different restaurants throughout Brevard County.