A beloved Logan County tradition will return this weekend after a two-year hiatus as the Logan County Vets to D.C. heads on the 520-mile trek to the nation’s capital with 48 distinguished veteran guests, who will have the chance to see their memorials for the first time.
Friday morning, May 13, the community is invited to take part in a heroes’ send-off for the retired military service members. The veterans and their traveling companions will be treated to breakfast and a send-off ceremony at the Logan County Fairgrounds, and then will department the fairgrounds at 8 a.m.
The charter buses will travel west onto Lake Avenue and then proceed northbound onto Main Street to U.S. Route 33.
“We would love to see as many people as we can lining the departure route waving or holding flags, clapping or even holding signs of support for our veterans as the buses leave from the Logan County,” organizer Scott Stewart said.
“It means so much to our veterans to see all of the support from our community as they leave on a weekend trip to Washington, D.C. That’s a huge deal to our veterans; it can be a tear-jerker for them.”
The COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of trips in both 2020 and 2021, so this year, two trips are planned, this weekend’s May 13-15 trip and a trek planned for Sept. 23-25.
“A long gap like that can make it difficult to keep the momentum going, but we are excited to be gearing up for a good trip,” Stewart said. “Our volunteers have been working hard behind the scenes to get everything ready and the weather is looking great for this week.
“The community has been behind us from day one, and it has been incredible to see all of that support continue to this day.”
Among the ranks of those traveling in the fifth annual trip includes a World War II veteran — 95-year-old Allie Schrader — along with several Korean War veterans and a number of Vietnam War veterans. They are treated to an all-expenses paid trip through the non-profit organization that is supported by various fundraisers and area donors.
Logan County Vets to D.C. trips began in 2016, and have continued annually through 2019 prior to the pandemic. Throughout course of the weekend travels, Stewart has observed the connection that develops among attendees, from the time spent on the tour bus, visiting the sites in D.C. and reminiscing during dinners on the trip.
“Some have seen combat and others have not, but they’ve all got this bond because of what they’ve been through and the sacrifices they’ve made. We see instant friendships develop, and I’ve been so privileged to say many of the veterans have become my fast friends as well,” he previously said.
Between traveling companions and volunteers, approximately 120 people will be attending the 2022 trip.
Sunday afternoon, the Logan County Vets to D.C. entourage returns to Bellefontaine and the Logan County Fairgrounds around 5:30 p.m. Area residents are invited to line Main Street again to welcome them back home.
For additional details on the trek to D.C. and the non-profit organization, visit www.vetstodc.org or the group’s Facebook page.