Photos: New Glory for Old Warrior
Patriot Guard Riders, led by Don Miller, gathered in New Scotland beneath the Helderbergs on Sunday afternoon to honor Art Hamilton, a World War II Navy veteran who served during the D-Day invasion at Normandy.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Patriot Guard Riders, led by Don Miller, gathered in New Scotland beneath the Helderbergs on Sunday afternoon to honor Art Hamilton, a World War II Navy veteran who served during the D-Day invasion at Normandy.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
With flags flying, the motorcycle cavalcade rode past Hamilton’s house on New Scotland Road to the town hall where Miller unveiled a banner he had paid for to honor Hamilton.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Hamilton wept as he and his wife of 70 years, surrounded by Riders holding American flags, watched the unveiling.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Miller said he met Hamilton five years ago because of an Honor Flight, taking World War II veterans to see their monument in Washington, D.C. “He treats me like a son,” said Miller. “He is really sick right now and is not going to recover. I wanted to do something for him.”
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Lending a hand: Don Miller, left, the ride captain of the Patriot Guard Riders, helps a surprised New Scotland resident and World War II veteran Art Hamilton out of his car last Sunday at Town Hall for a ceremony in Hamilton’s honor.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
All smiles: Art Hamilton shakes the hand of Norm Schultheiss of the Patriot Guard Riders prior to a banner presentation at Town Hall to honor Hamilton’s military service.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Getting congratulations: A full line of Patriot Guard Riders walk past Art Hamilton to shake his hand after the ceremony was over.