Photo By Capt. Marcie Mascaro | Supporters welcome veterans returning to Fort Lauderdale airport from Honor Flight...... read more read more
Subscribe
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - World War II and Korean War veterans received a fanfare unlike any they experienced returning home from their active military service. Honor Flight South Florida sponsored 75 veterans to tour war memorials in Washington D.C, inviting family, friends and the general public to give them a warm welcome at Fort Lauderdale International Airport May 21.
Several thousand supporters answered the call, including a few dozen from U.S. Southern Command.
“We participate in many military themed events around south Florida because we want to support and give back to our community,” said Rachele Alvirez, the USSOUTHCOM liaison for this event.
The patriotic crowd formed a line several hundred feet long outside the arrival gate to wave flags, hold signs and shout heartwarming messages for the troops.
“Seeing a large group of supporters at the airport was meaningful, many first-time attendees don’t expect to see so many excited people,” said Alvirez.
It was no less energetic than the basketball playoffs taking place at the same time.
“It’s very worthwhile, you won’t find a more rewarding way to spend your Saturday, said retired Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Oscar Ortiz, a retired Air Force Senior Master Sgt. and current civilian employee of USSOUTHCOM.
“I just wanted to say thanks, because perhaps we wouldn’t be here, we might not have American sports, and many of the other freedoms and traditions we enjoy couldn’t be possible without the sacrifice these veterans made.”
These cheerleaders had a front row seat to rouse the greatest generation, missing the NBA playoffs to support this event.
The NBA was established just after WWII ended; many of these elderly men and women honored here were still in their teens and early twenties when they returned after their military service.
“It really puts a perspective on the way of life these veterans experienced during their youth,” said Ortiz.
He said he came to show them our new generation of military members appreciates their legacy. “And it’s also great to see our young people here because some of them will go on to serve and we will support them as well.”
Supporters represented many local organizations such as scout troops, ROTC members, church groups, sports teams, and special interest clubs.
Ortiz is a road captain for the all-veteran chapter of the Green Knights International Military Motorcycle Club, based at U.S. Southern Command in Doral, Fla.
“We try to support as many vet events as we can, especially those that honor and support veterans,” said Ortiz. “Although we are separated by a generational gap, we still feel a sense of camaraderie.”
The local chapter gets together monthly for various events, including rides to promote safety and camaraderie among service members.
Their next event will be Memorial Day; for info on the Green Knights International Military Motorcycle Club Chapter 95 visit greenknightsmmc.org. Info on supporting the next veteran homecoming event or volunteer opportunities can be found at www.honorflightsouthflorida.org.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.26.2016 12:49 |
| Story ID: | 199171 |
| Location: | FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 78 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Veteran Homecoming Draws Large Crowd, by Capt. Marcie Mascaro, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT