BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Tuesday members of Honor Flight gave a big salute to a local veteran and provided him a virtual honor flight experience.
Vietnam veteran William Burdick didn't get to go on the Honor Flight trip last year because he was diagnosed with lung cancer. So when local veterans heard about Burdick's failing health they wanted to show their respect.
"Today means a lot to me after 50 years living in this town, this country, I love it. I love my husband and following him. I am so happy," said Mai Burdick.
23ABC's Chief Photographer Grant Simpson was there for the special event.
"They drove by and had a beautiful ceremony for my father," said James Burdick, William and Mai's son."It far exceeded my expectations. I want to give my heartfelt thank you to Bakersfield for showing my dad gratitude for being a veteran. It really means a lot to our whole family that so many in this community showed up to give support to my father. Last year I was supposed to fly with him to Washington, D.C. but he got diagnosed with lung cancer and then all this COVID stuff happened and we didn't have the chance to go to see the Vietnam memorial."
