On September 11, while remembering the horrific events of the terrorist attack on America, the Harvey C. Noone Legion Family were also able to welcome back veterans to the Rochester International Airport after a whirlwind Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. Participants said it seemed just right to welcome these unsung heroes who participated in defending our country and values while also remembering those who were killed and injured on that day 21 years ago.
Post member Rich Thompson participated in Honor Flight this year. The Vietnam War veteran is a former Post Commander and has been a Legion member for over 36 years. Rich, who has given much to the community, veterans and to the Legion over his lifetime, was chosen. You could see the beam in his eyes walking with his escort, son-in-law Cameron Mahood, through the corridor of community members welcoming him back. For Vietnam veterans who did not always get the warmest welcome back in the 60s and 70s, it was an opportunity to now show the nation’s gratitude to Rich and his family. The Legion family was out in force with their banner. The Legion also had three members who were chosen to participate in the Honor Flight program in 2019. Al Cullen, Dave Ess and Leon Mundt were all Vietnam veterans, longtime Legion members, and are all pillars of the Churchville community.
Legion members recommend those who have not had the opportunity to attend one of these welcome home ceremonies, go to https://honorflightrochester.org to learn more and attend or volunteer at the next one. They said it was especially gratifying to see little children getting caught up in the excitement with the bands, the color guards and veterans – a great family and teaching event.
The Honor Flight Network was formed in 2005 with a mission of honoring our nation’s veterans by bringing them to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to their service and sacrifice. It is focused on honoring our nation’s World War II veterans, those who served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, intermediary operations, and in special cases of terminal illness or injury, veterans from more recent service eras.
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