Overview
- The former president addressed passengers over the plane intercom after their flight from Madison, Wisconsin, touched down at Reagan National Airport.
- He greeted each veteran as they deplaned and presented Presidential Challenge Coins as a personal token of gratitude.
- Badger Honor Flight and participants said the appearance was a surprise that left many emotional.
- News outlets reported differing passenger counts for the group, with totals variously listed as 79, 87, or 88.
- The veterans spent the day visiting national memorials; the Honor Flight program has flown more than 300,000 veterans over roughly two decades.