How can we show our appreciation for the many brave men and women who have fought for the country? As a nation we build monuments and memorials, we hold parades and celebrations, we memorialize those who have given their lives. But here in our region we have found another way to honor those veterans who have served. North Country Honor Flight is a program set up in 2013 to give our veterans the opportunity to visit the great monuments and memorials we have erected in their honor. For the past few years, I have been proud to MC send-offs for veterans as they board flights from Plattsburgh International Airport and head to our nation’s capital.
This undertaking wouldn’t be possible without the work and financial support of institutions, donors and community members across the region. But this week, one donor in particular struck a chord for me. Hayden Devlin is a proud supporter of Honor Flight at just eight years old. After attending a recent send-off, the young philanthropist decided he wanted to do his part in honoring these heroes and set up a lemonade stand to raise funds.
He took lemons and turned them into generosity. Hayden raised $200, to send veterans to Washington DC and see for the first time in person, the memorials constructed to honor their service. Thank you Hayden, for showing us that community support can start at any age.
If you would like to learn more about North Country Honor Flight, visit: http://www.northcountryhonorflight.org
– Thom Hallock, Producer and Anchor, Mountain Lake Journal
