On Saturday, May 11, 2019, The Honor Flight left Westchester Airport early in the morning for Washington DC.
Aboard that flight was Throggs Neck American Legion Post 1456’s, and 2018 Veterans’ Parade Grand Marshal Bob Doonan.
Bob participated in Hudson Valley Honor Flight Mission 23 and said, “Words cannot express the feelings.”
It became apparent some years ago that the nation’s veterans were aging and becoming unable to travel.
The Honor Flight program was developed to ensure that our veterans get to experience the war memorials built in their honor.
Veterans are chosen on the basis of their time in service with World War II Veterans seated first.
The Honor Flight program is now actively seeking Vietnam veterans.
The honorees are guests of the program and are escorted to the memorials and Arlington Cemetery via motorcade.
They are welcomed at every site with applause and special treatment.
The Honor Flight is run by volunteers (a guardian accompanies each veteran) who say that this Honor Fight is only a small token of appreciation compared to the sacrifices made for our country by these Veterans.
The veterans experienced a very real WELCOME HOME at Westchester Airport, arriving to a large crowd of friends and family chanting “USA, USA” and holding up “Welcome Home” signs.
Bob was astounded by the size of the crowd waving American flags and was happy to see that his daughter Adrianne and wife Arlene were among the crowd.
Arlene is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary 1456 and with her were members of Auxiliary from Post 156, Hawkins Post on City Island cheering in their red shirts.
Congratulations Robert Doonan and thank you for your service.
