To the editor:

North Country Honor Flight is ready to take to the skies once again. This Saturday, May 13, will be flight numbers 44 and 45, taking 36 veterans on a one day trip of a lifetime. On board will be one WWII veteran and one Korean War veteran. Veterans from Vietnam will be the bulk of the passengers with some of the guardians serving in Gulf Wars.

“Thunder in the Burgh” is back as all veterans and their escorts will assemble in the mall parking lot with their escorts, and motorcade down to the Veterans Park at the U.S. Oval. The send off ceremony will start at 7 a.m. sharp, each veteran will be honored by the community for their service to our country.

The motorcade will then travel to Plattsburgh International Airport to prepare for their flight. Lloyd Provost, who arranges all the law enforcement and motorcycle escorts, is hoping for 200 motorcycles. All bikers are welcome to take part.

Flight leaders Mike and Laurie Parsons have done a remarkable job in getting these 60 passengers ready to fly.

Without our sponsors, these flights would not be possible.

We would like to thank everyone at the American Legion Post 504 in AuSable Forks for sponsoring an entire flight with a donation of $35,000 dollars. Unfortunately, Post 504 is closing, but what a great way to honor our veterans upon closing, even with closing the great work continues.

We would like to thank Penny’s Homestyle Cooking for being a flight sponsor, Penny’s has done numerous fundraisers throughout last year to accomplish this sponsorship.

The return is scheduled for 8:30 right back at the U.S. Oval. We hope for a nice reception for their welcome home.

The public is encouraged to attend all phases of this operation, all events are free and family friendly.

Thank you,

Barrie Finnegan

Executive director, North Country Honor Flight

Plattsburgh