Local American Legion co-hosting
day-long show at Andrews Airport
By Linda Hagberg
Correspondent
Join us at Western Carolina Regional Airport in Andrews, N.C. for the fourth annual “Welcome Home,” a tribute to all who serve event 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24. With an expected crowd of more than 10,000 visitors this year, this is a major event for our area and will include an air show.
The day begins with a parade, leaving Andrews at 9 a.m. and arriving at the airport at 10 a.m. in time for the opening ceremonies. Carl Maxwell, chaplain for the George Lee American Legion Post 532 of Hayesville will open the ceremony with prayer. The legion will present the Colors and also conduct a flag folding ceremony. Several veterans’ services will be on hand to speak with veterans during the day as well as a Stand Down service with supplies available for those in need.
There will be several vintage airplanes on display for viewing. The list of airplanes include T-6 Texans, P-51 Mustang, C-47 Goony and others. These airplanes will be available to observe and the pilots will be on hand to talk about the planes and their service in the military. There will also be classic cars, motorcycles and military paraphernalia from the past. There will be a chili cook-off, food vendors and free ice cream during the event.
At 12:30 p.m. the Benghazi, Twin Towers Memorial Riders will ride into the airport from Towns County and present a memorial ceremony which will kick off the air show at 1 p.m. The airshow will be presented by the North Star Airshow group. A Swift Formation Team will also do a flyover for the event.
John Ivie, of Ivie Funeral Home, sponsors this event each year as a way to say thank you and honor our veterans and provide them with needed services during the day. Local American Legion Post 532 of Hayesville and Post 96 of Murphy will host the event. Ivie believes we should give tribute to those who have served and this is an event where the whole community can say thank you by being there to share the day.