Southwest Airlines is proud to support our men and women in uniform, and we give thanks every day for their sacrifices and the freedoms they have fought so hard to protect.  But today, Veterans Day, we have a number of special initiatives underway to show our gratitude to Veterans for their service, past and present.
 
For today, all servicemen and servicewomen with a military ID may board their flights immediately following our Business Select Customers; may deplane their flights before anyone else; and may receive a complimentary beverage onboard their Southwest Airlines flights.
 
As the official airline of the Honor Flight Network, Southwest flies Veterans from various Southwest destinations around the country to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C., throughout the year, free of charge.  Today, on Veterans Day, Southwest salutes 25 World War II Veterans with a patriotic sendoff to the nation’s capital from LAX.  At the event, Employees and Customers will wave American flags while a Southwest Employee sings the National Anthem. As the Veterans board the flight, Employees and Customers will cheer and salute the men and women who gave so much to preserve our country’s freedoms.  The Veterans will arrive in Washington, D.C., this afternoon and then visit the WWII Memorial.
 
Southwest has a long history of supporting the men and women who fight for our nation’s freedoms.  We are proud to have more than 700 Employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves.  We were recently named one of G.I. Jobs Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2010.  Southwest Airlines also was recognized by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for our commitment and support of our National Guard and Reserve Employees.