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Community Corner

Salute to Freedom

Press
Release July 10, 2013



“Salute to
Freedom”



July 20, 2013

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A
simple request to say “Thank you” to wounded veterans and families of service- persons
killed in action, known as “Gold Star Families”, has turned into a labor of
love for some boaters and their families on the Hudson River.



The
Cortlandt Yacht Club and the Ossining Elks Club Lodge 1468 are hosting a group of
Wounded Warriors and their families as well as a number of Gold Star Families
for a day of recognition and appreciation for their service and sacrifices with
a boat ride on the Hudson River and a BBQ afterwards on July 20th.

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In
2012 “Salute to Freedom” was the name chosen by Laura Olisewski MS, RN, whose
request to her father Brian Young, a member of the Cortlandt Yacht Club, to
provide some leisure time on the Hudson for their honored guests, has become an
event enjoyed by all participants.  Laura
had asked, about a year prior, if her father could take a “few friends” for a
boat ride on the Hudson River.  When she
explained who they were, the answer was a no-brainer. 



As
a member of the CYC, Brian talked to other members about the idea of giving
something back to those who sacrificed so much and it took root. CYC Officer
Bob Desiderio, who is also an officer of the Ossining Elks Club Lodge 1468,
stepped up to the plate and offered to provide, courtesy of the Elks Club, a
complete BBQ for the people involved in the day’s events.  This became the catalyst for the expansion of
the guest list.



Laura
contacted Ms. Jordan Murray of the “Hope for the Warriors” an organization that
provided the names of the Wounded Warriors as well as providing them with
lodging and meals for the weekend in a hotel near West Point.  Laura also extended invitations to Gold Star
families in her area through the Patriot
Guard and Rolling Thunder.  These are
both motorcycle groups that support our troops and their families. The seed she
planted was growing into a terrific way to say thank you and show support for
the families and soldiers that have given so much for us.



 Following
a welcoming get together at the CYC at 9:30, the host boats with their honored
guests will cruise north through the beautiful Hudson Highlands as a flotilla.



In
an effort to show our military families just how much they and their sacrifices
are appreciated the CYC strongly encourage other boaters and yacht clubs to
come out on the river during the CYC flotilla to show their gratitude and support
and welcome the honored military families to our Hudson Highlands. They will
cruise north passing waterfront communities listed below so that people on land
may express their appreciation and good wishes.



The
tentative schedule has the flotilla leaving the Cortlandt Yacht Club in
Montrose, on the East side of the Hudson River (across from the historical
Stony Point Lighthouse) beginning around 11:00 AM on July 20 and proceeding in
accordance with the listed schedule (times may vary with weather and tide
conditions).



After
the boats return to the CYC between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, the Ossining Elks Club
will host a full BBQ and sit-down dinner for their honored guests and the volunteer
boat hosts and crew.



For
details or questions, you may reach Brian Young at 914 325-0705 or leebrian2@verizon.net



Verplanck Steamboat dock               11:15 – 11:30 AM



Charles Point Park                           11:30 –
11:45



Peekskill                                         11:40 – 11:55



Highland Falls                                 12:00 - 12:15



Garrison                                         12:10
– 12:25



West Point                                      12:15 – 12:30



Cold Spring                                     12:30 – 12:45



Newburgh YC                                   12:50 -   1:05 PM



Newburgh waterfront                         1:00 -  
1:15 

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