55.7 F
The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

Fifty WW II veterans welcomed home after Villages Honor Flight

Fifty World War II veterans were welcomed home at 2:00 AM Thursday morning after a memorable Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
Fifty World War II veterans were welcomed home at 2 a.m. Thursday after a memorable Villages Honor Flight.

A determined crowd hung on through a long night to welcome home local veterans coming home on a Villages Honor Flight.

A delayed flight kept the group of 50 World War II veterans and their Guardians from returning home to American Legion Post 347 until 2 a.m. today.

Dance Fusion, Flashback and the Dueling Divas (Sue Schuler, Dawn and Ralph DiNome) and a dozen colorful Clown Alley #179 characters entertained the waiting crowd.

When the Honor Flight crew finally did return, sirens blared, and a motorcycle escort led the two busloads of veterans, Guardians and medical personnel to a patriotic welcome-home celebration. A Villages Public Safety Department firetruck

A Villages Public Safety Department firetruck welcomed the buses with a water cannon.
A Villages Public Safety Department firetruck welcomed the buses with a water cannon.

greeted the buses with a water cannon, and hundreds of people were on hand to greet the returning entourage.

“What a day this has been,” one veteran kept repeating to the crowd as they waved small American flags and welcomed the group home. A large honor guard from the post formed a welcoming column of military flags. It had been more than 24 hours since the group left the post.

Many of the veterans, all in their late 80s and 90s, stepped down from the buses with youthful vigor while others were assisted or helped into wheelchairs.

Debra Frey was there to pick up her husband, Gene, a Vietnam veteran who volunteered as a Guardian on the Honor Flight. “This was the first time Gene has visited the Vietnam

Four generations came out to greet the veterans: Village of Duval resident Penney White brought her daughter, Sally, granddaughter Melissa, and great-grandson, Riley , who will turn three on July 2.
Four generations came out to greet the veterans: Village of Duval resident Penney White brought her daughter, Sally, granddaughter Melissa, and great-grandson, Riley, who will turn 3 on July 2.

Memorial in Washington,” Debra said, “and it was a very emotional experience for him.”  “We can’t control the weather, but this is very late,” said former Federal agent Mike Parker, a Village of Charlotte resident who was there to pick up his wife. Maryann Parker headed up the group of nurses who provided health services en route. “This was a very long and stressful day for everyone,” Maryann said, “but these are some tough veterans here, and they really enjoyed themselves.”

As a bugler played taps in the background, speakers welcomed the veterans. Each veteran and guardian was introduced by name and the crowd sang “God bless the U.S.A.

World War II veterans are welcomed home at American Legion Post 347.
World War II veterans are welcomed home at American Legion Post 347.

The world knew we had a strong leader in Trump

A Village of Fernandina resident looks back on the record of former President Trump. Read his Letter to the Editor.

Neglect of golf course maintenance now costing us millions of dollars

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of St. Charles resident argues that neglect of golf course maintenance is now costing residents millions of dollars.

Karen says her intent has been misinterpreted

A Village of Belle Aire resident who stirred quite a discussion with a previous Letter to the Editor, follows up to say that her intent was misinterpreted.

Our amenities are being used by families with kids

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Citrus Grove resident says she is not happy about families with kids using amenities paid for by residents.

Finally allocating funds to the golf courses!

A Village of Hadley resident said he is happy that more money is being allocated to the golf courses. Read his Letter to the Editor.