A Hero’s Welcome: Veterans Honored with Water Salute at Maine’s Portland Jetport

If you were traveling at Portland Jetport recently, you probably witnessed something magical and moving. Much more moving then just a routine arrival.

It was a moment of deep gratitude.

According to WGME, a plane carrying Maine veterans returned home from an impactful journey and were greeted with something deserving. 

The reason they were on this plane is for Honor Flight Maine.

This is a program that brings United States Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials that were built in their honor. And for a lot of the veterans, this was so specials because it has been decades since they served. So this flight to D.C. gives them the reminder and reflection of what they did for our entire country.

Maine Veterans Receive Emotional Water Salute at Portland Jetport

The plane carrying the vets taxied toward the gate, an impactful tribute took place.

Red 3 and Red 4 from the airports Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Station gave a performance never to be forgotten all for the veterans.

Below is a reel of the salute from the Portland Maine Fire Department Facebook Page. 

They performed a ceremonial water salute which is a deep tradition for the most special of circumstances and this was certainly of them.

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Powerfully beautiful arcs of water soared through the air above the airplane as it taxied through. This salute was a quiet moment of respect for all veterans on board. 

The flight crew and families and all of the travelers watching were filled with emotion and gratitude. Many of these veterans served decades ago and were reminded that there sacrifice still matters and always will. 

Welcome home to our heroes.