Ortt hosts 26 veterans on WNY Warriors Flight
Provided photo: State Sen. Robert Ortt and 26 fellow veterans travelled on Friday to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Ortt and the 2018 WNY Warriors Flight participants stand on the steps of the Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater.
Press Release, State Sen. Robert Ortt
State Sen. Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) hosted 26 veterans on a flight to Washington, D.C. on Friday to visit the various memorials and pay respects to the men and women who have perished in service to our nation.
Veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Operation Enduring Freedom visited several monuments including the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Vets Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
“The purpose of this flight came from a desire to honor our veterans and give them the opportunity to visit the monuments memorializing their service,” said Ortt. “This trip was also a way to offer to some of those veterans who hadn’t been able to previously travel to Washington, D.C. a chance visit these memorials and pay respects to the friends they lost.”
Thanks to Walmart, the trip came at no cost to any of the veterans or guardian volunteers who accompanied them on the trip.
Along with visiting the memorials, the group also had the opportunity to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Dedicated to the U.S. service members who have perished without their remains being identified, the wreath laying was an opportunity few have the chance to experience.
“This wreath laying was an experience that I will keep with me the rest of my life,” said Ortt. “I hope that every American has the opportunity to witness this solemn ceremony so that they may understand the real cost of our freedoms.”
Those interested in joining Sen. Ortt for the WNY Warriors Flight next year can call the office at 716-434-0680 and ask to be placed on the contact list.
