The RI Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub held their "Meet & Greet" in advance of their upcoming Honor Flight. The flight will take place on September 29, 2024, and has been named Honor Flight "High Voltage" as a nod to the flight sponsor, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 42. Forty two veterans and their guardians will travel to Washington DC to visit their memorials on that day. A total of 100 veterans, guardians and HF staff will fly to Washington to participate.
The Meet & Greet was held on Sunday, August 25th to bring attendees together to meet each other, and learn about their travel and activities that will take place on their Honor Flight. RIFC Honor Flight chairman and retired Providence Fire Chief George Farrell spoke to those in attendance, detailing their day and what they could expect.
U.S. Congressman Gabe Amo spoke to the group and thanked the veterans for their service to our country. He promised to be at TF Green early on September 29th, along with many others, to send them off on their day of honor.
Secretary of State Greg Amore also spoke to those gathered for the Meet & Greet. He will actually be on the flight, serving as a "guardian" for his friend and fellow history teacher, Vietnam veteran John Wolf. The group will visit the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Arlington National Cemetary and others as time allows. The two oldest veterans on the flight, along with two representatives of IBEW Local 42, will have the honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Before flying back, the veterans will also be honored at a dinner at the Sheraton BWI Hotel. |