“There are no words to ever thank a veteran,” said Tom Petrie, president of the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight program.

It is with that in mind that he promotes the Honor Flight program — even traveling to Bradford to help launch the program here. Petrie was in attendance Tuesday evening, when a viewing of the documentary “Honor Flight” was held at Bradford Area High School.

“We want to make that connection between western New York and Pennsylvania,” said Petrie. “There are so many heroes down here who deserve our recognition.”

The school’s Social Studies Department held the event in conjunction with Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight. The first Bradford area Honor Flight is slated to leave on May 6.

“On May 6, we are escorting our oldest veteran ever — 103 years old,” Petrie noted.

“The Honor Flight is a way to honor veterans and the sacrifices they made for us,” Superintendent Katharine Pude explained simply before the start of the movie.

To that end, veterans are given the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials built to honor military men and women. The opportunity is first offered to World War II veterans, who are in their 90s. Veterans who served in Korea and Vietnam are also invited.

The event began with high school student Gretchen Henneman singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by comments from organizers about the program.

Pude explained it was local woman Nancy Fire who approached her about starting a local chapter of the program.

“Yes, I approached Katy, but if it wasn’t for (Pude) this wouldn’t have happened,” said Fire.

During a brief talk, Fire talked about freedom and patriotism.

She referred to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech on the four freedoms — freedom of speech and expression, the freedom of religion, freedom from want and freedom from fear.

“The four freedoms have continued to act as an inspiration for citizens and political leaders today,” Fire said.

As for the “spirit of patriotism,” Fire said, “The groundwork the Greatest Generation made serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom.”

Petrie agreed. “That generation taught us values,” he said. “If it wasn’t for that generation, our world would not be free today.”

It is those sacrifices that make Honor Flight so important, according to Fire.

“Every U.S. veteran of every war is deserving of the same gratitude and respect,” she said, noting it is the goal of Honor Flight to transport as many as possible to Washington, D.C.

The program is 100-percent volunteer, so every dollar donated goes into the program, according to Petrie.

Petrie recalled that it was six years ago that his daughter invited him to watch an Honor Flight return after a trip to Washington. That airport visit inspired him to volunteer with the program.

“It’s an eye-opening experience,” he said.

The film shows veterans returning after an Honor Flight to the airport, where they are welcomed as heroes.

The film followed the journey of one flight of veterans who traveled on an Honor Flight. But it wasn’t just about the Honor Flight trips to Washington, D.C. — it was about the lives of the veterans. They were given the opportunity to tell their stories of war.

As the film showed, the trek to Washington is a somber experience in many ways, a time for survivors to recall the horror of war and remember those who did not come home alive. But it is also a time to be recognized for their service, to meet others who served and to spend time with a loved one, as family member will often come along as a guardian.

After the film, senior class president Gaige Ackley talked about the importance of showing support for World War II veterans as soon as possible, as most have already died.

“It’s crucial to preserve the memories of these men,” said Ackley.

Ackley offered a few ways people in the community can show their support for veterans, including writing thank-you letters, interviewing about their experiences and fundraising for Honor Flight.

He also asked for audience members who have connections to other schools in McKean County to pass word along about the project.

“The time to return these acts is now, and it starts with you,” he said.

Social studies teacher Andy Carlson said it is the group’s vision to have an area-wide Honor Flight that takes veterans from McKean County — and even the surrounding area like Potter County — each year or on a semi-yearly basis.

He’d like to see community members and students get involved, and explained that a big challenge is raising funds, as it costs roughly $1,000 per veteran to pay for the flight, bus ride, meals and hotel.

“The whole key is to get these veterans to Washington, D.C., before their creator calls their name,” Carlson noted.

After the presentation, Fire talked about the importance of giving veterans a chance to tell their stories. She explained, “veterans in general did not talk about the horror,” instead focusing on the positive aspects, such as the friends they made in the military.

Fire is pleased that local students are involved in the project.

“I think the students now know that their grandparents have stories to share,” she said, adding that she hopes they will in turn share their grandparents stories and “pass on the spirit of patriotism.”