A special reception complete with Patriotic music provided by Carolyn Barnes, took place on June 13th at the Fenton Mansion for Veterans and family members who would soon be participating in the summer Honor Flight to Washington, DC. Heightened anticipation was finally entering the “Let’s Go”! phase, as these Veterans had known for several weeks that they had been confirmed for the next flight. Joining the reception were members of Chautauqua Dwyer Veterans and the Chautauqua County Legion Riders. The Legion Riders have been especially involved as they have fundraised and earmarked a special fund for the gift of $150 for each Vet to spend as he/she would like. They also provide escort services as the Van heads off, as a salute to honor the Veterans’ service and as an attention-getter so that regular travelers notice that something special is happening. Four Veterans and travel buddies boarded the Veterans Van and headed off to Fredonia where 2 more Vets and their sons boarded.
Upon reaching the Hotel in Cheektowaga, we were greeted by the President of the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight and the volunteers who do so much work to be sure each flight is safe, unique, organized, special, and as perfect as they can possibly make it. We are so very blessed to have an Honor Flight Hub as close as Buffalo Niagara Airport!
The Meet and Greet Dinner gave us a chance to meet the other Veterans and travel buddies, as we would all be on one of two buses for the next two days. Traveling with us was Channel 2 Tim, who would record footage for the whole trip, and then edit it for the 3 minute clip on the news. A longer one would be used later as a special showing.
The next two days were a whirlwind of War Memorials, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington Cemetery, landmarks around Washington, and a side trip to Fort McHenry!
So Many Special Memories!
If you are a Veteran or have one in your family, and would like to ask some questions, call Barb at 716-664-6256.
