Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
For World War II veteran Maur Levin, last year’s Bucks County-backed Honor Flight Philadelphia trip was something he would never forget.
Levin and dozens of other World War II and Korean War veterans, most in their late 80s or 90s, packed onto several buses at Parx Casino in Bensalem early one morning last fall for the trip to Washington D.C. Once there, they toured the war memorials with a special police escort.
Advertisements
Sadly, the trip is often the last time the veterans will be able to see the memorials that pay tribute to their sacrifices.
This year, with the support of local businesses, citizens, politicians, several Bucks County municipalities and private citizens ,Honor Flight’s Bucks County trip will be able to take more veterans than ever before to Washington D.C. Some Vietnam veterans suffering terminal illnesses will also be included.
From 2014: Local Vets Visit Washington D.C.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Bucks County Recorder of Deeds Joe Szafran, who organizes the local Honor Flight trip, said recently that eight tour buses and more than 420 people – more than 200 of them veterans – will be taking part in this year’s trip. Veterans are paired with volunteer helpers who travel with them through the memorials.
Advertisements
State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, and several state representatives, recently thanked Parx Casino for stepping up and becoming the official home base for the local Honor Flight.
Organizers said they are planning for police escorts to follow the veterans from Bensalem to the nation’s capital city. A red carpet celebration is also planned for when the veterans come home.
Advertisements
“I’m happy to support Joe Szafran and this cause. I know how important it is to bring the veterans to D.C. to see the monuments,” Yardley-based State Rep. Steve Santarsiero said.
The Bucks County leg of the Honor Flight compliments one that leaves from Delaware County in the spring.
For veterans like Levin, last year’s trip meant the world to him.
Advertisements
“This is incredible … all the places we visited.”
