Waterfront Warriors welcome the troops to Long Beach

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“I’ve been through a lot of treatment,” Safran said. “Walter Reed is a great place, but to be able to come out on these trips and experience all of these new things — they’re taking us fishing, they’re taking us surfing — and to be able to go to New York City to see where everything went down, the monument at the World Trade Center, it’s huge. We know what we’re fighting for, but to be able to see where it started and to see the people, this is why we do what we do.”

Many stayed at the Allegria Hotel, while others stayed with local families.

“This is my first time in New York and we’re having a great time,” Safran said. “The nightlife is great, the people, and the hospitality is awesome.”

County Legislator Denise Ford, who marched in the parade with the Ladies VFW Auxiliary Post 1384, said that the showing of support for the troops illustrates the pride and patriotism among Long Beach residents.

“I think that Waterfront Warriors are a great example of what our city is, and the men and women who make this happen every year put in a lot of time and dedication,” Ford said.

“We’re never going to change what’s going on in their lives, but for one week, we make them forget about everything and enjoy everything that Long Beach has to offer,” added LBWW Co-chair James Lynch.

“The veterans and people who have given so much to this country, this is a small token for the kind of sacrifices they make,” said Councilman Len Torres, whose son served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the U.S. Army’s 82 Airborne Division.

“It tells you that the people of Long Beach are really thankful and grateful and really band together,” added Council Vice President Fran Adelson. “The people that served our country, who took care of us, that helped us be where we are today, the stuff that they’ve been through … it really humbles you.”

LBWW Co-chair Gerry Snell said that since 2009, the LBWW volunteers and Long Beach residents look forward to supporting the visits by the young men and women “who are sacrificing to keep our country safe.”  

“We all have the desire to honor those who serve and protect us, and this is our way of letting them know that we appreciate what they do,” Snell said.

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