“Thank you for saving our country.”
“Thank you for your service.”
These signs that adorned the walls of a room at Bradford Area High School on Friday were dedicated to World War II veterans Tony Falconi, Frank Jackson, Fred Lunden, Larry Smith and Herman White and Korean War veteran Tom Neilly.
More than 40 high school students and staff members and community members attended a luncheon to honor these six local men heading on mission No. 4 Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight, scheduled for today.
The flight recognizes veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying to Washington, D.C., to see their memorial for free. A send-off ceremony is scheduled for 6 a.m. today at the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight, and the veterans will return at about 10:45 p.m.
But before their journey to the nation’s capital, the local veterans were treated like royalty.
“I’ve always had issues speaking in front of people, but if anyone is worth stepping out of my comfort zone for, it’s you,” History Club President Kate Pfeil said at the luncheon. “You all made a tremendous sacrifice when you enlisted or when you were drafted. And if this is the least I could do to thank you, then this is something I’m grateful to be doing.”
So often, these heroes are forgotten, Pfeil said. The debt is unable to be repaid, but the gratitude and respect must continue, she said.
“We will remember your courage and dedication for many years to come,” Pfeil said.
Patriotism was on full display at the luncheon with blue napkins and red juice and more thank you’s and student names written on large blue and red posters. Another area of the room featured an American flag with the words “Honoring Our Veterans.”
“I think the luncheon is great. You people go all out for veterans,” said 95-year-old Frank Jackson.
He said he is excited to go on the Honor Flight and has been reading up on other veterans who’d be joining him.
His son and Vietnam veteran, Allen Jackson, of Smethport, called it an honor to have students recognize the service of veterans. “It’s unusual in this day’s society,” he said.
History teacher Tony Doriguzzi said, “The school has really come together to honor these heroes.”
Also at the luncheon, the six local veterans received bags filled with snacks and green and blue blankets made by middle-school students.
Sophomore Gretchen Henneman also sang the National Anthem.
“That’s what this is all about –– to honor them. I think it’s amazing to see that the students are honoring the vets,” Jere Troka of Bradford said.
And the surprises weren’t over for the veterans.
As each one left the room, students and staff members lined the hallways of the high school, clapping and holding small American flags.
And the celebration got even larger after that.
In front of the high school, students congregated along the sidewalks and lawn, cheering and clapping as veterans rode past, some en route to Buffalo for today’s Honor Flight.
The high school band also performed. The Bradford City police, ambulance and fire trucks also appeared in the motorcade.
