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I had a few different armed forces oriented columns planned for the paper today. My choice was made by accident when I was invited to speak to a Capitol District Patriot Flight offshoot group called TGIV (Thank God It’s Veterans). Their group includes veterans of all wars, family, friends and volunteers that meet every Friday morning at the Gateway Diner in Albany. They tell stories and keep history alive by sharing and creating memories.
My presentation was about my trip to Vietnam in 2008. One of many sponsored by Soldier’s Heart, the national non profit organization. The trip was primarily a journey of healing and reconciliation for combat veterans who decided to visit some of the places where they had experienced traumatic events many years earlier. The courage to do this is noteworthy.
After I showed a brief film and answered a few questions, I noticed some picture taking that involved men who sent letters of some significance to someone downstate. I was confused but after speaking with Cathy Schwarz-Sapeta, from Putnam County, I learned that the letters were sent from the veterans at the diner, who previously went on the Patriot Flight, to encourage Peter, a World War II veteran to have a good trip.
For those of you who are not familiar with this experience, the flight usually takes older veterans and their guardians to Washington D.C. to see the monuments of prior wars. I took my mother, a World War II veteran, on this meaningful journey a few years ago. Recently, younger veterans have been getting more involved in the flights. It is a moving experience as described by Cathy.
“On Saturday May 20, I served as a guardian to a veteran on Honor Flight Mission 16. Our day began with a send off ceremony with music honoring all of the military branches and uplifting speeches celebrating the greatest generation. I volunteered for the Honor Flight for a few reasons including to honor a veteran - the late George Richard “Dickie” Schwarz, retired Navy Seabee, Korean War- my dad.
I was assigned to Peter Simone, staff sergeant Air Force WWII. Peter told me he was really impressed with the World War II Memorial and that the trip was very emotional for him. He received many letters from people of all ages who thanked him for his service. I was so honored to stand among the men and women who served our great country and protected her for the children. America is a great country and is a place where your past doesn’t have to dictate your future. It’s a place where many cultures mingle to form the American culture.”
Peter’s grandchildren, school children, veterans from the Capitol District Patriot Flight and others, wrote notes of thanks to Peter. Here’s what some children wrote. “Dear Veteran, My name is Mike from Westchester County. I’m in fifth grade. I really like video games. But here are some things I want to say. First, I’d like to say thanks for protecting our country. Second, I hope you have a great life. Finally, I’d like to know your expertise with WWII. Thank you.” “Mr. Simone: Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice in WWII. It means a lot to me that you put your life on the line for our country. Thanks again! Love, C” Cathy’s final comments to me about the letters from these and other children and the veterans in Albany are meaningful. “Their letters were most reflective sentiments on what serving our great country is all about. Their legacy will be in vain if you and I lose sight of what Liberty means and what our responsibility is to preserve her.”