NEWBURGH – Local veterans were honored Saturday with the sixth annual flotilla on the Hudson River.
The Cortlandt Yacht Club Salute to Freedom saluted veterans, Gold Star
Mothers, Wounded Warriors, and Purple Heart recipients, among others.
They sailed the Hudson River on 30 different boats and enjoyed hamburgers
and beer afterwards. Eight World War II veterans between the ages of 92
and 103 also were honored.
Flotilla on the Hudson at the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge
One of those veterans, Sandy Olson, reflected on the meaning of the event. “You meet guys from all different branches who have been through the same kind of [horror],” he said.
Among the WWII veterans honored was State Sen. William Larkin (R, Cornwall-on-Hudson),
who served in both World War II and the Korean War. Larkin spoke highly
of the ceremony.
“[This event] means our community appreciates what we had to do to defend this great nation of ours, and those of us who came back are very lucky,” Larkin said.
One veteran, who served in the Navy from 1959-1965, talked about how the friendships he made while serving matter to him the most. “This ceremony allows me to reminisce on the association, the camaraderie you form with the people you serve with,” he said.
The day on the river was a “wonderful” experience for Navy veteran Pat Allman.
“It’s plain old, raw patriotism,” Allman said. “I can’t imagine the folks who spent their money to run this event up and down and give us free food. It’s just amazing.”
West Point Band singer and Master Sgt. Mary Kay Messenger serenaded the veterans and their families as they enjoyed their lunch with standards and classic patriotic tunes such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “God Bless America.”
The barbecue was provided by Captain Jake’s in Newburgh and enjoyed outside of Billy Joe’s Ribworks. The luncheon was preceded by scenic boat cruises on yachts that took off on the Newburgh Waterfront dock.
