Former U.S. President Barack Obama surprised a group of war veterans at Washington D.C.’s airport, joining them aboard their flight to personally thank them for their service as the nation marked Veterans Day.
The veterans, 79 men and women who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, had flown in from Madison, Wisconsin, on an “Honour Flight” to visit national memorials dedicated to their service, according to a report by People.
As the plane landed, Obama boarded the aircraft and greeted the veterans over the loudspeaker with a simple “Hello, everybody,” sparking gasps and cheers from the stunned passengers.
He then moved through the aisle, shaking hands and handing out presidential challenge coins in appreciation of their sacrifice.
In a statement after the visit, Obama said he was honoured to welcome the group, adding, “To all those who bravely served our country, thank you. The sacrifices that all of you made to protect our country will be honoured, today and every day.”
The visit was part of a trip organised by the Honour Flight Network, a nonprofit that offers free flights for veterans to visit Washington, D.C., and tour monuments built in their honour.
The program, initially created for World War II veterans, now includes those who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Army veteran Joe Parr, one of the passengers on the flight, described the experience as emotional and unforgettable.
“I had tears in my eyes,” he told People.
“I just couldn’t believe there were that many people around who remembered us. It was unbelievable.”
Obama is not new to surprise public appearances.
The former president showed up in New Jersey to stump for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill, where he charmed the crowd and skillfully handled a playful, yet affectionate, heckler who interrupted his speech with a declaration of love.
Obama’s quick-witted response, acknowledging the compliment while jokingly reminding the audience that he is married to Michelle, created a lighthearted moment that illustrated his continued appeal and charisma on the political stage.