Delaware County Veterans Treated to Honor Float on Lake Delhi

Nearly fifty veterans from the Delaware County area were treated to a relaxing ride on Lake Delhi on Thursday afternoon.

It was part of the Honor Float hosted by F&M Bank in Manchester. Morgan Weber says it’s their third year for this event.

The veterans gathered at Smokey’s on Lake Delhi for lunch, along with a program led by F&M Bank Executive Vice President Keith Kramer that included a roll call naming each veteran in attendance. Then they headed out to the docks, with around a dozen boats adorned with flags sailing off with the veterans aboard for an afternoon on the lake. 

John Smith of Ryan says this is his second time on the Honor Float.

He’s also been on an Honor Flight, a one-day trip to Washington D.C. that gives veterans a special tour of the monuments and memorials built in their honor.

Smith was drafted in 1965 and ended up in Korea in ‘66.

Joining Smith on Thursday’s Honor Float was fellow Ryan veteran Leo Woods. 

Woods has also been on an Honor Flight.

Woods says his time in the service started when he was drafted in 1969.

And while many veterans at that time didn’t receive the appreciation that they earned, Woods says his experience coming back home to Ryan was different.

It was F&M Bank’s goal on Thursday to make sure ALL the veterans felt appreciated as part of the Honor Float. Weber, who is the proud daughter of a veteran, says that means a lot to her.

photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH