‘It couldn’t get any more perfect’
Andrews – Western Carolina Regional Airport was filled with about 5,000 families and veterans Saturday for the second annual Welcome Home Tribute to Veterans event.
“It couldn’t get any more perfect,” organizer John Bandy said. “I’m very pleased.”
Last year, the event, which is sponsored by Ivie Funeral Home, drew about 3,400 people. Bandy said they were prepared for 5,000 and had 495 gift bags prepared for children.
“They disappeared in a heartbeat,” he said.
The day started downtown with a parade featuring local veterans. Grand marshals were U.S. Army veteran James Blaylock, who served in World War II; U.S. Marines veteran Bob Lewis, who served in Vietnam; U.S. Marines veteran Dick Ferris, who served in Vietnam; U.S. Air Force veteran Carol Kingsley, who served in the Korean War; and U.S. Navy and Air Force veteran Larry Brewer, who served in the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf wars.
Following the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Marine Lance Cpl. Tony Jensen led the parade with the U.S. flag.
“It feels amazing. It’s one of the greatest honors in my life,” Jensen said. “That flag carries all the hopes and dreams of everyone in this beautiful country.”
Floats receiving prizes were Ivie Funeral
Home for Best Expression of Theme and the Sons of the American Revolution for Best Salute to Veterans.
After the parade, families headed to the airport to enjoy the free festivities there. Many gathered by the vintage aircrafts, including a C-47 that had paratroopers jumping out of it on D-Day.
When the vintage aircrafts performed their flyover at 1 p.m., several cars could be seen pulled over on U.S. 19/74 to watch with the crowd at the airport.
Veteran service organizations thought the day went well for their fundraising and awareness. Marc Narkawicz of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association enjoyed making new friends and seeing old ones.
“This is a fantastic event,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun today.”
County veterans services officer John Giddens said the resource fair was very successful. They were able to help a lot of veterans, including a woman with three children who were sleeping on sheets on the floor of their home.
The day also included a chili cook-off, with everyone getting an opportunity to sample several different flavors and vote for their favorite. Ben Adams’ “Blazin’ Ben’s Chili” was determined to be the favorite.
Mayor James Reid was impressed by the turnout and support from everyone in Cherokee and surrounding counties.
“I’m absolutely blown away,” Reid said. “You can tell it’s well organized.”
The Biblis family of Andrews was happy to have something that got them out of the house.
“It’s awesome,” said Connie Biblis, a Navy veteran.
“They should do it more often,” Mike Biblis said.
This was the second year Ivie Funeral Home sponsored the event at the airport. The event was combined with a parade similar to the one held in Murphy last year. Veterans service organizations from Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties were involved with the planning.