Patriot Flight had its first flight in 2008. It was a day-long trip to Washington DC with World War II Veterans. Now, in 2016 we have expanded to include Korean and Vietnam War veterans to their unique memorials in Washington, DC.
The veterans we serve are deeply moved and share a day with fellow veterans for a day of camaraderie, laughter, deep emotion and reflection. Who among us today deserves a Day of the Lifetime of Memories, Victories and Peace?
The day begins with a send off ceremony with a breakfast at the Marriott, Desmond Hotel or the Christian Brothers Academy. The send off is a must-see if you call yourself a Patriot.
The trip itself is a 55-minute flight to Baltimore where veterans receive a “Welcome Home” reception of which many never experienced. Off to a bus ride with sharing of stories over lunch, and the camaraderie begins. The day is filled with visits to the World War II, Korean, Vietnam and Iwo Jima memorials. We conclude the day with a visit to the Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then off to dinner, the return flight home and the day ends with an emotional reunion with family and friends at the airport. Truly a trip of a lifetime.
We are so proud to take the “Greatest Generation” of World War II veterans through this journey. Even though their numbers are dwindling, the 90-year-old veterans are an inspiration and share memories from a unique time of their youth.
President Harry S Truman said, “Freedom is still expensive, it still costs money, it still cost blood. It still calls for courage and endurance, not only in soldiers, but in every man and woman who is free and who is determined to remain free.”
The veterans of the Korean War fought the “Forgotten War” that never ended in a treaty. We call them the “Unforgotten Generation.” They are so glad to feel remembered and not forgotten.
The Vietnam veterans are our “Unforsaken Generation” who fought two wars during their service – first in a country most people never knew existed and then here, at home.
Military troops today should thank and shake hands with a Vietnam veteran. These great men endured and taught our country that no troops should be treated the way they were when they returned home.
Winston Churchill was quoted about our World War II troops who saved the world, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
It is so appropriate for today’s troops and all since World War II.
Patriot Flight has scheduled two trips in May 2016. There is an all Women Veteran Flight and Gold Star Mothers set for Saturday, May 14. On Saturday, May 28, Patriot Flight will fly veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. A third flight is tentatively scheduled. If interested, please fill out veteran and guardian applications as soon as possible.
Please support Capital District Patriot Flight and Honor the Veterans. For more information, contact Patriot Flight, Inc. at PO Box 190; Delmar, N.Y. 12054. Or email Veteran Coordinator Charlene at [email protected] or President Frank DeSorbo at [email protected]
— Patriot Flight Inc.
