Vets arrive at Stewart Airport Saturday morning
(Photo: Bob McCormack)
WASHINGTON, DC – World War II veterans joined fellow Korean and
Vietnam War servicemen Saturday for an all-expense paid trip to Washington,
D.C., courtesy of Hudson Valley Honor Flight (HVHF). A local non-profit
based in Walden, HVHF honors Hudson Valley veterans by bringing them to
the U.S. capital so they can visit their respective war memorials at no
cost to them or their families.
They departed from Stewart International Airport early in the morning
and returned in the evening.
Despite our nation’s capital being plagued by cold weather the past
several weeks, veterans were instead greeted on the day by a beautiful
blue sky, beaming sun and balmy weather.
Vets recceive hero’s welcome in Washington
(Photo: Paul Bello)
George Fisher, who lives in New Paltz, spent time in both the Army and
Navy Reserve at the height of the Korean War. He was excited and grateful
to be taking part in the day’s honor flight.
“It’s been like a dream. I never thought they would take care
of us the way they did,” Fisher said. “The time I spent in
the service made a better person out of me. Made me more mature than I
was before and it physically got me in shape.”
Anthony Trovato, a veteran from Nanuet, was part of the Northeast Air
Command during the Korean War. He was overwhelmed by everyone’s
appreciation for U.S. heroes of yesteryear.
“I’m honored. It feels like you really mean something in life,”
Trovato said. “I remember during the Cold War how dangerous a situation
that was. That could have been the start of World War III.”
After landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport, veterans went on to visit
the World War II Memorial, Korean and Vietnam Memorials, and Arlington
National Cemetery.
This was the 18th Hudson Valley Honor Flight. The trips alternate between
Stewart International at Newburgh and Westchester County Airport at White
Plains.
