Former President Bush Joins Veterans for Honor Flight Screening

Editor's note: The following press release was submitted by Stars and Stripes Honor Flight in Port Washington.

In celebration of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, former President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush hosted a special screening of SnagFilms' documentary "Honor Flight," in Kennebunkport, Maine.

One hundred and thirty audience members joined the former president in honoring America's veterans and service members, some of whom included: "Honor Flight" film Director Dan Hayes; Producer Clay Broga; Chairman of Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, Joe Dean; Joe Demler, a WWII veteran featured in the documentary; SnagFilms' COO Stephanie Sharis; and members of the Secret Service. Guests were welcomed by the President and Mrs. Bush, and introduced to WWII veteran Joe Demler.  SnagFilms was honored to join the President at such a special event commemorating our heroes.

"Tonight when you go to sleep – and say your prayers of gratitude for those who served so many years ago in World War II – remember, too, that at this moment there is a young man or woman half-way around the world, sitting alone in the dark, waiting to go out on patrol.  They may be tired, and even a little scared – but every day they put on that uniform, and they lay their lives on the line for each of us, to keep us free and safe," said former President George H.W. Bush. 

Bush elaborated, "It was wonderful to see a community come together in such an extraordinary way.  The film’s ability to reach out to fellow veterans, friends, and family is what makes this country great. Barbara joins me in saluting everyone involved in 'Honor Flight' and congratulating the makers of this remarkable film for bringing this story to the big screen."

"'Honor Flight' exudes patriotism and is the perfect Memorial Day story to share.  I cannot think of anyone better than President George H.W. Bush, a decorated WWII veteran himself, to host a screening of the film and to help honor our heroes this holiday," said SnagFilms CEO Rick Allen.  "On behalf of everyone at SnagFilms and Honor Flight we are truly proud of, and thankful to, President Bush for his service, and his support."

In recognition of service members and veterans nationwide, SnagFilms launched a social media campaign earlier this month under the banner "Honor Our Heroes".  Military stories have touched families all over the country and SnagFilms’ Honor Our Heroes initiative is designed to do the same. SnagFilms invites everyone to pay tribute to the heroes in their own lives by sending a personalized online telegram saluting their service and sacrifice.  Users can access the custom designed telegrams via the Facebook page www.facebook.com/HonorFlightTheMovie or Honor Flight's film website, http://www.honorflightthemovie.com/.  

Honor Flight, produced by Freethink Media, focuses on the current lives and battlefield experiences of four living WWII veterans and the Midwest community that came together to give them the trip of a lifetime – all as part of a national effort. Volunteers race against the clock to inspire WWII veterans to tell their stories – many for the first time – and to fly thousands of them to Washington, D.C. to celebrate their service at the memorial constructed for them nearly 60 years after their epic struggle.  The film is currently available on VOD platforms via SnagFilms and will be available on DVD June 4th.