Ozarks Public Television’s (OPT) newest locally-produced history documentary, “In Gratitude: Honor Flight of the Ozarks” will premiere at 8 p.m. March 28.

This feature-length presentation captures the poignant stories of a group of veterans who embark on a unique journey to Washington, D.C., to visit the monuments dedicated to their service and sacrifice. The film follows these veterans as they share their personal experiences and emotions as they visit the various monuments and memorials, as well as remember their fallen comrades and the sacrifices they made for our country. The documentary culminates in a heartwarming welcome home celebration for the veterans.

The Honor Flight of the Ozarks is a nonprofit organization and independent hub of the National Honor Flight Network, which aims to honor veterans by providing them with an all-expenses-paid trip to visit the memorials in the nation’s capital. The documentary showcases the dedication of the volunteers who organize and accompany the veterans on this unforgettable trip. It also highlights the importance of the memorials in preserving the memory of those who have served in the armed forces.

Spotlight on the veterans

“The emotional connection viewers will gain meeting these veterans and hearing their stories about what makes this trip so special to them brings home the importance of the mission of Honor Flight of the Ozarks,” said the documentary’s producer Brent Slane. “It was a real privilege to be invited along with these veterans on their journey and to get to know them and see the dedication so many volunteers put into making their trip so special.”

According to Slane, meeting the veterans and learning some of their stories make the purpose of monuments like the WWII Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial so meaningful.

“The sacrifices they’ve made for our freedom are truly humbling, and it’s an honor to be able to pay tribute to them in this way,” Slane added.

OPT General Manager Rachel Knight agrees.

“For many of these veterans, this is the first time they receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve for their service,” she said.

“The mission of Honor Flight of the Ozarks is a powerful testament to the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by our service members and is a potent reminder of the impact that a single act of kindness can have on the lives of those who have served our country.”

“In Gratitude: Honor Flight of the Ozarks” premieres on OPT’s main channel at 8 p.m. March 28 and re-airs at 8 p.m. April 1. The documentary will be available to stream on OPT’s website on April 2.