Dedication Mission
WWII United States Navy Veteran
Honor Flag Dedication
Voorheesville, New York - 27 Aug 2017
WWII United States Navy Veteran
Honor Flag Dedication
Voorheesville, New York - 27 Aug 2017
ABOUT THE MISSION:
PGRNY Region 5 Ride Captain Don Miller Jr. has purchased an Honor Flag in recognition of our own WWII United States Navy veteran and PGR member, Sir Art Hamilton. Don has arranged to have the flag installed on a utility pole in front of the Town of New Scotland Town Hall.
During WWII, Sir Art served as a Machinist Mate Third Class aboard LST-980, later named USS Meeker County. On D-Day, 6 June, the Allies landed on the Normandy beaches. Participating in the invasion, LST-980 was bracketed by bombs, one of which, a 125-pound dud, penetrated the hull and two bulkheads, killing one man and causing minor damage. After the establishment of the beachhead, the landing ship remained in the area providing shuttle service between the United Kingdom and France. Carrying men and equipment to France, she returned to England with prisoners of war, transporting upwards of 900 at one time.
Fortunately for us, Sir Art returned home safely after the war and settled in Binghamton, NY where he met and married his lovely wife of over 70 years, Betty. Sir Art has always been a motorcycle enthusiast and, in January of 2015, became an honored member of the Patriot Guard Riders of New York. He has stood in flag lines in all weather, honoring the fallen, as well as standing for his WWII comrades at the Honor Flight sendoffs and many other PGR events and activities. He also filled up some of his spare time serving as a volunteer shuttle driver at the Stratton VAMC in Albany.
On May 9, 2014, 70 years after the D-Day invasion, at a ceremony at West Point Military Academy, Sir Art was presented with the French Legion of Honor Award by Officials of France. From that day forward, he became known as our beloved Sir Art.
The Patriot Guard Riders are truly honored to have this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation, love, honor and respect for our own Sir Art Hamilton, one of America's Greatest Generation Heroes.
During WWII, Sir Art served as a Machinist Mate Third Class aboard LST-980, later named USS Meeker County. On D-Day, 6 June, the Allies landed on the Normandy beaches. Participating in the invasion, LST-980 was bracketed by bombs, one of which, a 125-pound dud, penetrated the hull and two bulkheads, killing one man and causing minor damage. After the establishment of the beachhead, the landing ship remained in the area providing shuttle service between the United Kingdom and France. Carrying men and equipment to France, she returned to England with prisoners of war, transporting upwards of 900 at one time.
Fortunately for us, Sir Art returned home safely after the war and settled in Binghamton, NY where he met and married his lovely wife of over 70 years, Betty. Sir Art has always been a motorcycle enthusiast and, in January of 2015, became an honored member of the Patriot Guard Riders of New York. He has stood in flag lines in all weather, honoring the fallen, as well as standing for his WWII comrades at the Honor Flight sendoffs and many other PGR events and activities. He also filled up some of his spare time serving as a volunteer shuttle driver at the Stratton VAMC in Albany.
On May 9, 2014, 70 years after the D-Day invasion, at a ceremony at West Point Military Academy, Sir Art was presented with the French Legion of Honor Award by Officials of France. From that day forward, he became known as our beloved Sir Art.
The Patriot Guard Riders are truly honored to have this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation, love, honor and respect for our own Sir Art Hamilton, one of America's Greatest Generation Heroes.
PRIMARY STAGING DETAILS: 27 Aug 2017
Primary Staging Time: 2:15 P.M.
Voorheesville High School
432 New Salem Rd
Voorheesville, New York - 12186
432 New Salem Rd
Voorheesville, New York - 12186
Ride Captain:
Don Miller Jr.
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Special Instructions:
Staging in the High School parking lot. KSU at 2:45 for a short ride past Sir Art's house in route to the Town Hall by 3:00 PM.
Members will establish a flag line for Sir Art's arrival, followed by the unveiling of the Honor Flag.
Members will establish a flag line for Sir Art's arrival, followed by the unveiling of the Honor Flag.
Flags & Water:
Flags Will NOT Be Provided, Please Bring Your Own.
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water WILL NOT be provided, please bring your own.
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water WILL NOT be provided, please bring your own.
Submitted By: Ray Sestak
Position: Assistant State Captain
