x
Breaking News
More () »

Veterans take 'virtual Honor Flight' trips with VR technology

Emmanuel Hospice held VR sessions at Grand Rapids area retirement homes for veterans who may not be able to travel to Washington D.C.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Tuesday, Douglas Gardener placed a virtual reality headset on and toured the Korean War Memorial. 

The Army Reserve veteran said "it brought back memories of the place." He had taken an Honor Flight there years before. 

"I've been to what was on the video," said Gardener, "and it almost brought tears back. So happy, yet sorrowful too." 

Emmanuel Hospice brought the virtual reality Honor Flight to area senior living communities ahead of Veterans' Day. 

Credit: 13 OYS
Douglas Gardener, a veteran, tears up after taking his virtual tour of the Korean War Memorial.

The idea behind the experience stems from some war veterans, like World War II veterans, are aging. Many are not able to physically take the Honor Flight trip to Washington D.C. This VR experience takes them there without leaving their home. 

"Depending on when they serve, maybe they weren't welcomed home," said Jenny Kellogg, support programs manager for Emmanuel Hospice, "Maybe they don't have anybody to talk about it with. So, I think just offering them that space can be really impactful."

The videos show 3D videos of the World War II Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial. the Vietnam Wall and more. They are provided by the Honor Everywhere 360 app. 

"I'm thinking about all the veterans in there in their 80s 90s, World War II men are sadly disappearing," said Bob Wilkinson, a naval reserve veteran, "Not too many left. All of them who fought for us and died for us."

Credit: 13 OYS
Bob Wilkinson tours the World War II memorial on VR headset.

"It's so special," said Kellogg, "We've had plenty of folks that have gone back to the rooms, brought out pictures, hats, you know, different things that they want to show off."

RELATED VIDEO: 'What are the chances?': Vietnam war veteran meets Air Force vet who saved his life in 1969 when his daughter moved next door

Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Before You Leave, Check This Out