Wesley Health Care Center resident and World War Two Navy Veteran, David Barton, was honored last year by the veteran organization, North Country Honor Flight. North Country Honor Flight is part of the National Honor Flight Network, whose mission it is to fly U.S. Military Veterans to tour the National Monuments in Washington D.C. More recently at the Wesley Health Care Center, North Country Honor Flight’s Executive Director of Operations, Janet Duprey, presented David with a U.S. flag that flew over the Pentagon the day of David’s visit. A plaque honoring David and confirming the flag’s authenticity, and a handmade quilt were also presented alongside the flag.
David was born in the town of Victory Mills, NY in 1929. He joined the Navy in 1945 and was stationed in Brainbridge, MD for boot camp. He later transferred to Norfolk, VA and served on the USS Hugh Purvis DD-709 until 1949. David’s ship docked in port cities throughout Europe, Northern Africa and Cuba. He is grateful for the opportunity to see these far off places. After serving on the USS Hugh Purvis David then joined the National Guard for eight years at which time he transferred to the Navy Seabees Reserves.
Since it was organized in 2013, North Country Honor Flights has made 31 flights, bringing 465 veterans to tour the U.S. National Monuments. The National Honor Flight Network began in 2005 and now has 130 Hubs which have flown a total of 222,133 veterans to the U.S. Capitol. Due to age, priority is given to the Veterans of World War Two and the Korean War, but Vietnam Veterans and others are encouraged to apply.
North Country Honor Flight’s, Janet Duprey, presenting David Barton with the Pentagon Flag.
(L-R) U.S. Representative for NY State, Elise Stefanik, David Barton and David’s son Jim Barton.
A plaque certifying that the flag flew over the U.S. Pentagon.