They served the country valiantly during the Vietnam era and beyond. On Sept. 6, Monroe County’s most revered veterans flew to the nation’s capital to view memorials in their honor.
A one-day trip to Washington, D.C. was free, thanks to Honor Flight South Florida, a volunteer organization dedicated to honoring veterans in South Florida. Top priority is given to the most senior defenders of freedom from World War II and Korean War veterans, as well as veterans who are terminally ill. Honor Flight South Florida also serves veterans of the Cold War and Vietnam.
A day before the flight, 10 veterans from Monroe County enjoyed lunch alongside local law enforcement and community members at Dillon’s Pub & Grill. Each veteran received a patriotic sendoff as they departed the restaurant and hopped on the bus. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol escorted the bus to Coral Shores High School, where students held signs of gratitude and the red, white and blue, before being guided out of the Florida Keys.
The veterans were transported to Fort Lauderdale where they stayed the night. Monroe County’s veterans joined 53 other South Florida veterans in the trip to Washington. Among the veterans from the Keys who joined the trip were Army veterans Donald Scarpa, of Islamorada; Peter Hosford and Richard Ford, of Key Largo; John Dick and Timothy Pennenga, of Marathon; and Vincent Formisano, of Key West; Air Force veterans Donald Fritch and Michael Daigle, of Key Largo; Navy veteran Mike Ehlers, of Islamorada; and Army veteran Charles Conn, a Del Ray Beach resident whose son, Army veteran Abe, lives in Key West. All veterans from the Keys served during the Vietnam War. Conn and Fritch also served during the Cold War.
“We are proud to support our Veterans as they experience this emotional and patriotic journey,” said Monroe County Community Services Director Cathy Crane. “It’s truly an honor that they can visit the monuments that symbolize their service and sacrifice.”
