Did you know
We lose 2100 World War II Veterans nationwide each day
The average age of those waiting to go is 87
Honor Flight is now booking trips in late 2010 and 2011
Flying season is April - November
Veterans are accompanied by a sponsor or family member on the trip
Stops include selected monuments and war memorials
Honor Flight is a non profit organization, supported by individual and corporate sponsors
Honor Flight receives no government funding or partisan political sponsorships
Legacy Senior Communities is home base for Honor Flight Rochester, and is a proud sponsor for this great organization
More information about Honor Flight can be found at www.honorflightrochester.org
What they saw
The World War II War Memorial
The Vietnam Memorial
The Korean War Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial
The Iwo Jima/Marine Corps Memorial
The Air Force Memorial
The Navy Memorial
Arlington Cemetery and the changing of the guard
A bus tour of Washington DC
What they felt
Howard Strassner
28th Infantry, Combat Medic, European theater
Recipient of four Battle Stars, including The Battle of the Bulge
Harold's son, Larry, was his guardian on the trip. His words of gratitude flowed freely. "The people, they were being so grateful. They were very happy - they treated us like angels. They made us feel right at home. They would stop their cars and get out and come over and shake your hand. They were great - all of them. Even the 2-3 year olds. You just didn't know what to say except thank you."
Ted Vangellow
US Air Force, Staff Sergeant, European theater
Ted couldn't get the words out fast enough. "I went all to pieces. I broke up. The most moving experience was seeing the Iwo Jima statue. I had seen it about 30 years ago. But I think the World War II Memorial was also very exciting because of where it was placed. We were looking out over the water at The Lincoln Memorial and behind us was The George Washington Monument."
Robert Parsons
US Air Force, The Philippines
"Diane Aparo, my guardian, was speechless. She was choked up." Robert's own voice broke as he continued. "I will remember the statues and the monuments in my mind's eye... but I will remember the reception we received in my heart."
Edward Barnard
US Air Force, Saipan
Ted's son, Alex Vangello, accompanied Edward on the trip. At first he was very quiet, listening to all that the other men had to say. His only response initially was, "Ditto." Then after gathering his thoughts and words he said, "It was overwhelming. I have never experienced anything like that. My kids know nothing about what I did - we have never talked about it. But now the story can be told." Upon their return to Rochester, a smile broke out on his face and he said it was "like Times Square on VE day."
