Author Jeff Gottesfeld to Celebrate “Honor Flights” at Old Town Books

Alexandria, VA — Families, veterans, and community members can gather Tuesday, March 3, at 6 p.m. at Old Town Books, located at 130 S. Royal St. in Alexandria for an evening that blends storytelling with heartfelt tribute. Award-winning author Jeff Gottesfeld will celebrate the release of his newest children’s picture book, HONOR FLIGHT: Celebrating America’s Veterans, illustrated by Matt Tavares.

Written for readers ages 7–10, the book highlights the Honor Flight program, which transports veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. Through evocative illustrations and accessible prose, Gottesfeld introduces young readers to themes of gratitude, remembrance, and civic responsibility.

The new release reunites the creative team behind Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, their acclaimed 2021 collaboration honoring the sentinels of Arlington National Cemetery.

Joining Gottesfeld in conversation will be local librarian Aryssa Damron, whose literary expertise and dedication to veterans make her a fitting partner for the evening. Damron, who previously served in 2025 as a judge for the prestigious Caldecott Medal, and chaired the 2024 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction committee, will bring deep knowledge of distinguished picture books to the discussion.

She also serves as regent of the Manor House Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution — the largest chapter in Washington, D.C. After participating in a single Honor Flight airport welcome in 2023, she became a ground crew volunteer at Reagan National Airport, where she now greets more than 40 Honor Flights annually.

Though written for children, the event welcomes all generations, a reminder that honoring military service is a shared community responsibility for all ages.