Photos provided.
LEATHERSTOCKING HONOR FLIGHT takes veterans of World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War and those vets terminally ill to see their memorials in Washington, D.C. The one-day trip taken on October 27, 2018, included the flight on Southwest Airlines, all meals, the private touring bus, visits to the memorials and to watch the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery, and it’s all is free. All medical concerns are met and each veteran is accompanied by a guardian, who can be a family member, friend, or volunteer, who spends the entire trip by the vet’s side. There is a small cost to each guardian.
Leatherstocking Honor Flight takes four or five trips each year. Applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2019 flight and vets are encouraged to get them in. The flight leaves around 6 a.m. and they are given a motorcycle escort to cheer them on and a 20-minute honor ceremony before they go through security. When the flight returns around 11 p.m., there are crowds waving flags to welcome them back.
Just going to D.C. is a beautiful trip and walking through the memorials “But with a veteran at their memorial. . .to see the expression on their faces, the tears in their eyes and to hear their stories. There are no words. This is living history” said Rhonda Cooper, trip coordinator.
Veterans can apply online at www.leatherstockinghonorflight.org or call Cooper at 518-878-2257 to get an application.
