Vets arrive at Stewart Airport Saturday morning
(Photo: Bob McCormack)
Vets recceive hero’s welcome in Washington
(Photo: Paul Bello)
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.
George Fisher, who lives in New Paltz, spent time in both the Army and Navy Reserve at the height of the Korean War. As he stood at the World War II Memorial, 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,” he said. Fisher said the time he spent in the service “made a better person out of me.”
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.
