The Philadelphia Chapter of Honor Flight, a non-profit dedicated to helping every single Veteran in America visit the WWII and Korean War memorials, and Axalta Coating Systems, a global leader in the coatings industry, have partnered together to celebrate local Philadelphia heroes with an all-expense paid full-day excursion to Washington, D.C.

Surviving World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans are being asked to “Report for Duty” on Saturday, May 21, 2016 where they travel by bus convoy for one final mission to visit Arlington National Cemetery, the Korean War Memorial, and the World War II Memorial in honor of their service and that of their fallen brethren. More than 125 Veterans and their able-bodied guardians and volunteers will experience the trip of a lifetime.

“Axalta is proud to partner with Honor Flight Philadelphia and to help recognize the sacrifices that these brave men and women made so long ago in order for us to enjoy freedom today,” said Charlie Shaver, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Axalta Coating Systems. “I am also proud of the Axalta employees who have volunteered their time to give these veterans a trip to remember.”

Philadelphia-based Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings, is the primary sponsor of this noble cause and many of its employees will support Honor Flight Philadelphia throughout the day.

May 21 will be the twelfth Tour of Heroes trip conducted by Honor Flight Philadelphia. The day will begin with an early morning departure from St. Kevin’s Parish Hall in Springfield, Delaware County, flanked by a state police escort from Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C. Veterans will visit Arlington National Cemetery and the major war memorials while accompanied by personal Guardians who tend to any need the Veterans might have throughout the day. The buses return to Springfield to a large community welcome and onto a red carpet leading to a USO-themed dinner party.

Since its inception in 2012, Honor Flight Philadelphia has provided this wonderful experience to approximately 2,100 Philadelphia-area World War II, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam War veterans at no cost to them.

“Our excursions to DC would not be possible without the help of companies like Axalta. We are grateful to partner with them in order to provide an amazing day to heroes who truly deserve it,” said Andrew Schiavello, President of Honor Flight Philadelphia. “When you see the deep emotion of the Veterans as they see the monuments for the first time, it feels more like they’ve given you a gift rather than you’ve given one to them.”

Applications are currently being accepted for Veterans and Guardians throughout Philadelphia. Your help is needed to identify remaining survivors in their 80s and 90s so that we may recognize the sacrifices they made for our country and the world while we still have the chance.

To download the Veteran’s application, the volunteer application, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, visit www.HonorFlightPhiladelphia.org.