Hudson Valley Honor Flight participants gathered at Stewart International Airport for Mission #7 to Washington, D.C. as part of the Hudson Valley Honor Flight program. / Photo courtesy of Mike & Daphne Downes

Veterans of WWII and the Korean War from throughout the Hudson Valley gathered together recently for a day of celebration and more.

Sloatsburger and WWII veteran Sidney Gettenberg enjoys the moment before his recent Honor Flight to Washington in recognition of his service. / Photo courtesy of Mike & Daphne Downes

Five former soldiers from Sloatsburg were with reunited with others who served in the so long ago, early morning Saturday, April 11, where a crowd gathered at the Stewart Airport for a tremendous send-off for the Hudson Valley veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Sloatsburg veterans with family and/or friend guardians enjoy a sunny Saturday in Washington, D.C. / Photo courtesy of Mike & Daphne Downes

WWII veterans across the U.S. are becoming a rare group, with most now 80 to 90 years old.

Sloatsburg veterans were escorted by volunteer guardians, many family members, on an early-morning flight from Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, NY to Washington, D.C. for an emotional day of seeing memorials built in their honor.

Former longtime Senator Robert Dole, himself a highly decorated veteran who suffered severe back and arm injuries in combat in Italy, greeted the Honor Flight veterans. / Photo courtesy of Mike & Daphne Downes

The day was as much a celebration of surviving veterans as it was about those they left behind — one veteran said that those that died during the war were the true heroes.

Sloatsburg veterans included Sidney Gettenberg, Harrison Bush, George Heller, Alexander Massaro, and Robert Wagenhoffer.

Michael Downes took the flight with Gettenberg, while Richard Walls joined Sloatsburg Village Historian Harrison Bush, George Heller was accompanied by George E. Heller by his side, Massaro, a former chief of the Sloatsburg Fire Department had his son Anthony Massaro with him, and Wagenhoffer was attended by family member Delores (Wagenhoffer) Menella.

Sloatsburg veterans hold a flag folding ceremony in Washington, D.C., with the Washington Monument rising in the background. / Photo courtesy of Mike & Daphne Downes

Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright and wife Carol greet veterans Saturday evening as they return from their Washington Honor Flight adventure. Photo courtesy Mike & Daphne Downes

Photo courtesy Mike & Daphnes Downes