It was a difficult decision, but the Logan County Veterans to D.C. organization recently has opted to cancel its 2021 trip — previously slated for the weekend of Sept. 24-26 — in an abundance of caution surrounding the rising cases of COVID-19 and the risks posed to the honored service members
“There were so many factors to consider, but the biggest consideration was that we would be traveling with the most at-risk group to the nation’s capital,” organizer Scott Stewart said Friday. “This wasn’t an easy decision by any means, but we didn’t want to put their health and safety in jeopardy as a result of taking this trip.”
Stewart reported that the veteran participants have already been notified about the trip cancellation, but he wanted to help spread the word to the public, who has been so supportive in the past by lining the streets for a send-off celebration that Friday morning, and also welcoming back the veterans the following Sunday afternoon.
“We’ve always said this a true community event, and it could not happen without the many individuals who help to support us,” he said. “We want the public to be aware that we are having to cancel our 2021 trip.
“All of the people lining the streets and waving flags — that’s a huge deal to our veterans; it can be a tear-jerker for them. We want to invite everyone out again when we resume our trip again next year.”
With this year’s cancellation and also having to cancel the 2020 trip last fall, Stewart said the organization is looking to host two trips in 2022, slated for May and September.
Through community donations and volunteer support, the organization provides veterans of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War with an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., to see their memorials for the first time.
Interested veterans who would like to attend an upcoming trip should contact Stewart at (937) 407-6766 for an application so that they can be added to the waiting list.
Aboard the charter bus while making their way to Washington, D.C., a camaraderie develops among the trip participants as well during their shared time.
“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,” Stewart said in a previous Examiner story.
In addition to trip participants, volunteers are sought to help in various capacities during the months leading up to the next trip. Local residents and organizations are invited to call Stewart for volunteer ideas.
For additional details on upcoming trip visit www.vetstodc.org or the group’s Facebook page.