Hundreds welcome back Vietnam veterans from visit to D.C.
SPRINGFIELD » On a damp and drizzly morning of Sunday, Oct. 15, nearly 100 Vietnam War veterans, accompanied by guardians, volunteers, photographers, medical assistance and Honor Flight staff, departed The Porch at the Lamb Tavern, headed for Washington, D.C., for a day of honor.
The Philadelphia chapter of Honor Flight — a non-profit organization that honors America’s veterans for all their sacrifices, transporting them to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials — never quite knows how the day will turn out, but strives to meet its goal providing each and every veteran with a day they will never forget. Mission accomplished!
The organization extends its thanks to Pete Crisanti at the Lamb Tavern, where registration and departure went flawlessly, and to the police escorts that ensured a smooth bus trip to Washington, D.C.
The day was spent viewing the memorials the awestruck veterans so richly deserved to see. The trip home was quiet as many reflected on what Honor Flight Philadelphia had done for them during the course of the day, at times shedding tears.
While the purpose of the trip is for the veterans to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C., the most exciting parts came within 10 miles of Springfield and upon return to The Porch at the Lamb. First, the three bus caravan was greeted and escorted from the Pennsylvania rest area by over 600 motorcycles adorned with American flags. Many riders were members of Warriors Watch who were anxious to meet and greet these heroes as they disembarked from the buses.
The riders were joined by a throng of veterans’ admirers from throughout Delaware County who participated in the “Welcome Home.”
While the “homecoming” exceeded expectations, it could not top what happened inside the restaurant. Following a few of Honor Flight’s normal greetings, a prayer for our veterans, the national anthem, and a tribute that honors the missing, the evening began. Pete Crisanti and his entire staff, chefs, waiters and waitresses went “over the top.” While Crisanti would accept no recognition for what he did, Honor Flight Philadelphia and the veterans are deeply thankful for the lovely dinner and recognition provided them by the Porch at the Lamb. Crisanti, his entire staff, and everyone associated with him are true lovers of the nation’s veterans. It showed and Honor Flight Philadelphia thanks all involved with the reception.
To date, Honor Flight Philadelphia has taken 2,000 veterans for a day of honor and HFP is happy to continue this mission. It takes two to three trips a year honoring veterans and their service to this great nation.
The chapter leadership at Honor Flight Philadelphia appreciates the tremendous work of its staff and volunteers and thanks each and every one
of them. Every trip shows the true love and appreciation they give to veterans and gives the Philadelphia area veterans of World War II, Korean and now Vietnam they recognition they deserve.
For those who would like to be a part of the organization or volunteer, and for veterans who would like to take part in one of the trips, visit www.honorflightphiladelphia.org.