CROTON-ON-HUDSON – It was still dark on Saturday morning when WWII veteran Al Ferrara woke to get dressed. His friend Jeff Scott, was coming to pick him up and he needed to be ready. They had a flight to catch at Westchester County Airport. The 92 year-old was participating in the Hudson Valley’s 17th Honor flight to Washington D.C. and Jeff was going with him.
A resident of Bethel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Al was only 17 when he joined the Navy and left his parents and home in Bronx, NY to report for duty. Now, 75 years later, he was joining 18 other veterans from WWII and 54 from the Korean War, for a day of reflection and celebration as they journeyed to Washington D.C.
Jeff, a West Point graduate and Bethel’s IT Director, became friends with Al over the years as together they embarked on projects such as growing a substantial vegetable garden every spring and summer, talking sports, Wii bowling and other day to day endeavors at Bethel.
They rolled out of the driveway just after 5 a.m. and headed for the airport. Following check-in and breakfast, the veterans and their guardians boarded buses. Escorted by police motorcyclists, as well as 60 other participating bikers, they drove through local communities and past crowds who had assembled to cheer them on, including groups of firemen who had gathered outside their firehouses.
They returned to the airport where a bagpipe band escorted the buses into the JP Morgan Hangar amid hundreds of well-wishers who had now gathered. A 45 minute send-off ceremony included a tribute to two veterans who were scheduled to be on the honor flight, but who passed away. A brass and reed band also played military marches for all those gathered.
Following the ceremony, the veterans boarded their plane and headed to Reagan National Airport where once again, upon disembarking, the terminal was packed with clapping and cheering supporters. Escorted by Park Police and other motorcyclists, the buses made their way to designated memorials and monuments. Passing the Pentagon, the veterans and their guardians observed its 9/11 Memorial – 184 benches representing all the lives lost on the plane and on the ground that day.
The veterans visited the Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the WWII, Korean and Vietnam Memorials, as well as the Lincoln Memorial. They also witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “All of the memorials were beautiful, but my favorite was the WWII memorial. That one is very special to me,” said Al.
Throughout the day, other visitors touring these sites approached the veterans to thank them for their service and/or to take photos with them. Al said he enjoyed meeting so many people and having his picture taken. “There weren’t too many WWII vets, but I did have a chance to talk with some of them,” he said.
At the conclusion of the tours, the buses headed back to the Holiday Inn in Alexandria for dinner. After that, the veterans returned to the airport and boarded the plane. During the trip back, “mail call” was announced and each veteran received cards and letters from family and friends, thanking them for their service, in addition to acknowledgements from Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, Congresswoman Nita Lowey and other dignitaries.
The ambitious and successfully executed itinerary concluded as the plane landed, right on schedule, at 8:50 p.m. at Westchester County airport. And once again, the veterans were greeted by hundreds of cheering and waving supporters who had filled the terminal for their return.
“If you planned your own vacation, you would never go to all the places we went today,” said Al. “It was better than going on your own vacation.” He continued, “We went to so many sites and toured all around. It was a beautiful day.” he added.
Jeff, too, was amazed by the scope of the itinerary and all that they saw. “The most impressive site to me was the Vietnam Memorial and its setting. To see those 58,000 names is so special. It was truly a remarkable day,” he said.
He also commented on the size and design of Arlington Cemetery, the former estate of General Robert E. Lee, with its 400,000 graves. “It took us a good 20 minutes or more just to drive from one side of the cemetery to the other.
“The organizers of the Hudson Valley Honor Flight, the volunteers and all those who support the program are impressive, too” said Jeff. The planning, compassion and detail that goes into each honor flight is evidenced by the veterans’ reactions. Tears, reflection, memories, appreciation and laughter are all part of the day.
“It did bring up a lot of memories of when I was on my ship,” said Al. This included his ship taking a hit and the loss of some sailors. “Yes, it’s sad to think about that time,” he said. However, he balanced those memories with the positive experiences of the day’s events. “I enjoyed every bit of this trip and I would love to go again,” he said.
