Four local World War II Veterans were especially eager to see Memorial Day come this year, and for good reason. They were anticipating their trip to Washington DC on June 5-6, free of charge, as guests of an organization called Honor Flight. What they came back with was an experience of a lifetime.
The purpose of Honor Flight is to assist local World War II veterans who otherwise would never be able to visit their own memorial. The group is committed to providing these heroes with, quite literally, a safe and memorable trip they will never forget. Four Victor residents were proud to get such a chance.
Ted Vangellow, Bob Parsons, Howard Strassner and Ed Barnard, all residents of Legacy at The Fairways, received word that their trip was scheduled to leave on Saturday, June 5, at 06.50. Their entire group of 55 veterans, 55 guardians, and two staff members and nurses flew to Washington DC where they were equipped with two buses and 47 wheel chairs for a whirlwind tour of the nation's capital.
From the first moment the four felt well cared for, and together they described the experience. "The ground crew from the honor flight were all wearing colored shirts. They were all volunteers helping with every need people had, embarking, disembarking, whatever was needed."
The flight to DC brought a special honor for one lucky passenger. "On the plane one of the vets had been a P-47 fighter pilot in the 8th Air Force and the pilot invited him to sit with them in the flight deck." The men were excited as they recounted the story. "He was able to sit with the pilot and co-pilot all the way down. His name is Harry W. Clancy, from Rochester."
Their arrival in Baltimore
"When we arrived at the Baltimore Friendship Airport there were about 50 military personnel waiting for us," Vangello said. "They were shaking our hands and thanking us as we came in. Then there were civilians lined up to greet us too. My guardian was my son, Alex Vangellow. He was awestruck."
The others continued, "All the military people were also curbside at the airport like an honor guard, saluting as we left to go on the tour."
While they were there
The Iwo Jima Memorial experience was especially moving for Strassner. "There were High School kids singing Amazing Grace and the National Anthem. They came over and shook our hands and took pictures of us together."
