99-year-old WWII vet from LI heads to DC for emotional Honor Flight
Bert Jablon will join dozens of fellow veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where they will visit military memorials built in tribute to their service and sacrifice.
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A 99-year-old World War II veteran from Long Island is preparing for a meaningful trip to the nation’s capital this weekend.
Bert Jablon will join dozens of fellow veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where they will visit military memorials built in tribute to their service and sacrifice.
“It’s a tribute to the veterans, and I’m very happy to participate,” Jablon said.
Organizers say Jablon will be the oldest veteran on Saturday’s flight — and the only World War II veteran from Long Island making the trip.
“It was a terrible piece of our history, but we managed to survive, and we did a good job winning that war,” he said.
Born March 18, 1927, Jablon enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at just 17 years old, inspired by a family member he deeply admired.
“He was my hero when I was 17 and a half, and that’s how I enlisted in the Air Force,” Jablon said.
Jablon and other veterans will depart from Long Island MacArthur Airport, fly to Baltimore and then travel by bus to Washington to visit several war memorials. One stop, in particular, will carry personal significance.
“One of my uncles was buried in Arlington — the one who served in World War II,” he said.
Despite his age, Jablon remains remarkably active. He has been running 5Ks and half marathons since turning 50 and has logged countless miles over the decades.
“Oh, I can’t even figure — thousands, hundreds and hundreds of miles,” he said with a laugh. “I enjoyed every bit of it.”
As for the secret to his longevity, Jablon keeps it simple: stay moving and take care of yourself.
“I’m a great believer in staying in shape,” he said. “Exercise, eating intelligently… most of the time.”
