Amity NY Wreathes Across America sponors tribute to Belmont veteran Roberty Salevsky
From Amity NY Wreaths Across America,
Several years ago, a group of community members, under the umbrella of the Belmont Legion Family, gathered to start a Wreaths across America group in the Town of Amity. Wreaths Across America is a national effort, started over 20 years ago, to provide a wreath for every veteran’s grave on Wreaths Across America Day in December. (www.wreathsacrossamerica.org) From the first year, the more than 500 veterans’ graves in the five Belmont/Town of Amity cemeteries have had a wreath.
Wreaths Across America also serves as a fundraiser. For every sponsored wreath, a portion is returned to the participating group. The Belmont group has chosen to contribute their funds to cover any costs for a guardian for a local veteran going on Honor Flight. Honor Flight is a national organization that transports American Veterans to Washington DC to honor and celebrate them for their service and sacrifice.(www.honorflight.org) In the years that the Belmont group has been active, they have been honored to support three local veterans on Honor Flights, and to sponsor a guardian for each. A guardian is a volunteer who escorts the veteran on their trip, ensuring their comfort, safety, and care.
On Saturday, April 18, Robert “Bob” Salevsky and his guardian, his son Brent, participated in an Honor Flight through the Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight Organization. (www.buffaloniagarahonorflight.org)
Bob joined the Civil Air Patrol in Bucks County, PA in 1964. In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, trained in infantry at Fort Bragg ,NC , and was deployed to Vietnam for three tours. He was dedicated to serving his country. After leaving the military, he moved to Wellsville, where he married and raised two children. In 1986, the family moved to Belmont. He retired in 2015 as Administrator for Southern Tier Home Health Services. When Bob first heard about Honor Flight, he was not particularly interested. Like many Vietnam veterans, he was not seeking recognition and had spoken very little about his service to family and friends. His son Brent describes him as “sadly humble” about that time in his life. Eventually, at the urging of his family and doctor, Bob agreed to participate.
A week before departure, guardians met with organizers to review medical needs, travel logistics, and expectations. Brent shared that from the very beginning, it was clear the organization was exceptionally well run by caring people. From the mission briefing to the itinerary, airport check-ins, and bus transportation, all the “nuts and bolts” of getting his veteran dad to Washington and safely back home was handled smoothly and efficiently.
While in Washington, the veterans visited Arlington National Cemetery, as well as monuments honoring soldiers and presidents. A particularly meaningful moment for the Salevskys was their visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial-something Bob had previously avoided.
Everywhere the group went, they were recognized and applauded. When the plane departed Buffalo, it received a water cannon salute, and another greeted them upon arrival in Baltimore.t touch down in Baltimore. At each stop, they were welcomed with flags, handshakes, hugs, and cheers. Upon their return Sunday evening, April 19, they were met with music, salutes, and what felt like thousands of people-including members of their hometown community holding signs.
For the Salevskys, this trip was “magical”. It provided meaningful recognition of veterans and service, and opened pathways for father and son to connect and talk-a true Welcome Home.
