Veterans from Pine Run and Lakeview went to Washington, D.C. on Monday, October 2nd to visit the nation’s memorials as part of the Bucks County Honor Flight.
The group, eighteen in all, left with a police escort at 4:15 AM and headed to the Park Casino to meet the charter buses taking them to Washington.
The veterans were recognized and honored as they visited the Korean, Vietnam and Lincoln Memorials, Iwo Jima, and the Air Force Memorial, all before lunch! Following lunch they enjoyed the Air Force Silent Drill Team performance and then they were off to Arlington National Cemetery to see the Changing of the Guard and Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
After the ceremony, Villager Tom Barnett was welcomed by the honor guards on duty and invited to visit quarters where service recognition plaques were mounted. “I had contacted the Sergeant of the Guards, Paul Basso, seeking permission to enter quarters that day, and it was an honor to be greeted by name and to see CPL (Corporal) Thomas Barnett 1953-1954 up on the wall. My plaque had just recently been mounted.”
Their last stop was the World War II Memorial before heading home. When they arrived back at the Park Casino our veterans were stirred by cheering crowds and marching bands. They entered the energized venue through a crowd of grateful citizens lined up to show their respect and appreciation for their service to our country. The celebratory day was capped with a festive dinner and entertainment.
