Photos: Vietnam Vets get their due

Altamont American Legion Riders with their donation of $15,000 helped paid the way for the Vietnam Vets to take a trip down to Washington D.C. during the Leatherstocking honor flight.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Proud of their granddad: Kids at the Albany airport early Saturday morning hold a banner thanking Poppa Fred for his service. Vietnam veterans took an Honor flight to washington, D.C.paid by the Altamont American Legion Riders with their donation of $15,000.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Crisp salute: A chief from the Latham Fire Department stands on the airport staircase as Vietnam veterans file by on the escalator, heading toward the plane that will fly them to Washington, D.C. for the day.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Flags — held by Patriot Guard and American Legion riders — line the path to airport escalators as Vietnam veterans walk between them, responding to cheers and salutes, heading for their flight to Washington, D.C on Saturday.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Personal escorts: Many Vietnam veterans rode small buses to the Albany International Airport early Saturday morning and then were welcomed by Patriot Guard Riders, who helped them off the buses and into the airport.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Patriotic music: Members of Cobleskill-Richmondville’s high school band play excerpts of the theme songs for the five branches of the military while Vietnam veterans walk into Albany International Airport early Saturday morning for a Leatherstocking Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Remembering: Two Vietnam veterans stand during the National Anthem, one saluting, prior to a brief ceremony before embarking on their trip to Washington, D.C.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

“For the 50 years of service … For that we are grateful,” says New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul during the brief ceremony for Vietnam veterans taking an Honor Flight to the nation’s capital on Saturday.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

A long line of Patriot Guard Riders’ motorcycles line the curb at Albany International Airport display American flags and military flags.