Dear Friends,
We have just celebrated Veteran’s Day and I wanted to share something I think is pretty special with you.
A few weeks ago our Saint Catherine of Siena parishioner, Bob Goldbach and his son, Brian participated in a program called “Honor Flight”. This fabulous program offers an opportunity to Veterans and one accompanying guest to travel to Washington, D.C. for a weekend.
These Veterans are acknowledged for their service to our nation with visits to monuments on the National Mall, witnessing the Change of Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, celebratory meals and a chance to be among other Veterans from our local area. Upon returning, Bob and other Honor Flight attendees were invited by students at Emma Sherman Elementary School in Henrietta to share their stories and receive gratitude from the students. What a wonderful gift to Bob and all our Veterans!
The students wrote letters of appreciation to Bob for his military service. The letters Bob received were from students from Spry Middle School, Sherman Elementary, and Aquinas Institute. They knew Bob was a Sergeant in the Army and was stationed in Vietnam. They asked questions about his service and some shared they had family members who also had served in various situations. The young people also mentioned some of their interests about school, hobbies, pets, favorite foods, and sports.
I’d like to share one comment from a student named Ryan, he wrote to Bob, “I wonder how challenging it was to lead your group and country through the brutal war. I couldn’t imagine going through battle and always having to watch your back. I am very proud of what Honor Flight is doing. It’s very great for veterans like you. Thank you for your service to our country!”
Ryan couldn’t have said it better. Bob took the time to respond with a personal letter to each student who wrote him. This will be something they will always remember and Bob too!
Thank you Ryan, Parker, Norah, Addalyn, Raelynn, David, Emily, and Reese for writing such beautiful letters.
To all who have been on an Honor Flight and to all our Veterans, thank you for your service to our nation!
God Bless you!
May everyone have a blessed week,
Father Rob
P.S.—Heartfelt thanks to green stewards attending to the parish campus at Saint Catherine’s! Heartfelt blessings to all who took care of our grounds this past Saturday! You’re the best, Diane Daily, Kathy & Bob Goldbach, Steve Hellems, Charlene and Jim Merrill, Mike Moszkowicz, Glenn Stewart, Scott Tubbs and Mark Wright!
God love you all!