NBAA participated in the Spirit of Liberty Foundation’s “America’s Operation Thank You: Relay in the Sky” tribute to health care professionals and first responders this past weekend, flying a symbolic torch from Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, Ohio, to Niagara International Airport in Buffalo, New York, and participating in ceremonies at both cities.
The Relay in the Sky, which kicked off on September 24 in San Diego, California, involves flights and ceremonies throughout the country and will conclude with a closing ceremony on October 30 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., where more than 100 health care workers and first responders will carry the Spirit of Liberty Torch, Love Healthcare Heroes Flag, and America’s Flag—combining all 50 state flags sewn together—from the U.S. Capitol to the White House. Along with NBAA, supporters of the effort have included the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Commemorative Air Force, Experimental Aircraft Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and the National Air Transportation Association, along with major FBOs such as Signature Flight Support and Atlantic Aviation.
The relay, NBAA said, was designed as a way for the general aviation community to recognize health care workers, who are facing risk to care for others during the pandemic. Alex Gertsen, NBAA director of airports and ground infrastructure, represented the association in the relay.
“During the pandemic, business aviation has been critical, flying patients and moving medical samples and supplies. We’ve done so much,” he said. “This was a way for general aviation to be more visible—passing the torch from one pilot to another as it travels thousands of miles across the country with stops in small towns and large metropolitan areas really shows the power of general aviation.”
NBAA noted the appreciation of the participants in the local ceremonies. “It’s very special [to be recognized],” said Dr. Robert Bonomo, the associate chief of staff for Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center and among the medical personnel at the Burke Lakefront ceremony. “We do it because we’re dedicated to veteran care, and our first mission is to make sure veterans are taken care of. It’s nice to be appreciated of course, but what really motivates us is the dedication to care.”
Gertsen added that the event further provides the opportunity to underscore the role general aviation can play in keeping communities connected. “It’s always great to use your flying skills for something bigger than just going from point A to point B. Today was meaningful on so many different levels.”