BUFFALO, N.Y. — It was a day to remember for 35 veterans who went on this fall’s Honor Flight. It came after three cancellations because of the pandemic.
Before the crack of dawn, a group of veterans, their guardians and volunteers gathered at National Fuel to kick off the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight. It was an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. that they would never forget.
At every turn, organizers made sure the men and women knew their service was appreciated. Gate 15 in Buffalo was transformed for a patriotic welcome. But it was the entrance they got at the Baltimore airport that blew so many of them away.
“Even getting up at 2 o'clock in the morning," said Eadie Rebrovich, an Army veteran who fought in the Korean War. "No sleep, but it's been wonderful.”
Complete strangers cheering each vet on as they were individually announced.
“There were so many people saying thank you for your service, so I remarked back saying I’m proud to be a veteran and I’m proud to be an American," said Shirley Ciodo, an Air Force veteran who also fought in Korea.
It kicked off a jam-packed day in D.C. There were stops at various memorials, starting with World War II where four of the Honor Flight vets served.
“I don't have words to tell you how great it is, but it's the greatest thing that ever happened to me," said Navy veteran Bob D'Angelo. He served in World War II and the Korean War.
That feeling echoed as the day moved through to the Iwo Jima Memorial, Women’s Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington. At the tomb, three vets, one from World War II, one from Vietnam and one from the Korean War, placed a wreath.
The trip brought back memories for many.
“Good and bad, but mostly good mostly," said Ed Piniarski, a Korean War Army veteran.
Most of the vets on this trip served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. A trip to those memorials was among the most emotional. Some stopped to get rubbings of their friends' names on the wall.
At the end of the day, it’s an experience they wouldn’t trade for the world.
“I'm telling you the volunteers that put this together ... God bless each and every one of them," said Denny Wittmeyer, a Vietnam Army veteran. "And the sponsors that put this out ... are you kidding me? This is an overwhelming day.”
As the day wrapped up, dinner brought an old tradition — mail call. Packets full of letters from friends, family, and more.
Spirits were high as they headed back home. They were welcomed again by applause.
An impromptu rendition of "God Bless America" broke out as they waited to board. And there were only more surprises back home. It was close to a 24-hour day, but every minute was special.
They received a hero's welcome home. Not only at the airport, but back where it started as well. No doubt as they headed back home, the memories created that day would be treasured forever.
There were 35 veterans on the flight. Each of them had their own story to tell.