Flying Santa:
Friends of Flying Santa, Inc. was formed in 1997 to help ensure the future of the annual Christmas flights to New England lighthouses. The aerial visits of Flying Santa to lighthouses and lifesaving stations have been a New England tradition since 1929. Capt. William Wincapaw of Friendship, Maine - an aviation pioneer - began the flights as a gesture of recognition to the dedicated lighthouse keepers and their families as well as the crews of the lifesaving stations. Capt. Wincapaw and his son, Bill, Jr., continued the flights for close to two decades. The father and son team eventually recruited legendary author and historian Edward Rowe Snow to assist them with their expanding list of lights and boat stations. After Capt. Wincapaw's passing in 1947, the mantle was passed to Mr. Snow, who faithfully carried on the tradition for over four decades. With the help of his wife Anna-Myrle and their daughter, Dolly, the isolated residents of lighthouses throughout North America continued to receive visits from the "aerial St. Nick"
Today, through fund-raising and public outreach, the Friends work to continue the flights and carry on this gesture of gratitiude to the men, women and families of the United States Coast Guard who keep watch over our coastal waters. Thousands of hours are volunteered each year to ensure the success of our helicopter flights which now encompass over 33 stops including 45 Coast Guard units from Maine to New York.
Friends of Flying Santa remains committed to bringing this annual gift of holiday cheer to the families of the United States Coast Guard here in New England. With the establishment of our scholarship program for Coast Guard dependents, our mission continues to grow. As long as there are boat station crews, aids to navigation teams and other units serving to keep our waters safe, we will do our part to remind them of how much their work is appreciated.
If you are a fan of lighthouses and maritime history or just wish to show your appreciation for the work and dedication of the United States Coast Guard, please support the Friends and become a part of a great New England holiday tradition.
Friends of Flying Santa, Inc. was formed in 1997 to help ensure the future of the annual Christmas flights to New England lighthouses. The aerial visits of Flying Santa to lighthouses and lifesaving stations have been a New England tradition since 1929. Capt. William Wincapaw of Friendship, Maine - an aviation pioneer - began the flights as a gesture of recognition to the dedicated lighthouse keepers and their families as well as the crews of the lifesaving stations. Capt. Wincapaw and his son, Bill, Jr., continued the flights for close to two decades. The father and son team eventually recruited legendary author and historian Edward Rowe Snow to assist them with their expanding list of lights and boat stations. After Capt. Wincapaw's passing in 1947, the mantle was passed to Mr. Snow, who faithfully carried on the tradition for over four decades. With the help of his wife Anna-Myrle and their daughter, Dolly, the isolated residents of lighthouses throughout North America continued to receive visits from the "aerial St. Nick"
Today, through fund-raising and public outreach, the Friends work to continue the flights and carry on this gesture of gratitiude to the men, women and families of the United States Coast Guard who keep watch over our coastal waters. Thousands of hours are volunteered each year to ensure the success of our helicopter flights which now encompass over 33 stops including 45 Coast Guard units from Maine to New York.
Friends of Flying Santa remains committed to bringing this annual gift of holiday cheer to the families of the United States Coast Guard here in New England. With the establishment of our scholarship program for Coast Guard dependents, our mission continues to grow. As long as there are boat station crews, aids to navigation teams and other units serving to keep our waters safe, we will do our part to remind them of how much their work is appreciated.
If you are a fan of lighthouses and maritime history or just wish to show your appreciation for the work and dedication of the United States Coast Guard, please support the Friends and become a part of a great New England holiday tradition.
Fast Forward to today: He came and our kids saw him. Ethan said he felt too big to sit on Santa's lap and Jocelyn wanted NOTHING to do with him, she kept yelling "no HO HO!" =)
1 comment:
I was first introduced to Flying Santa when I became the CO of Station Point Allerton in 1998. The crew of Station Pt Allerton supported George Morgan, Tom Guthlien and the mission of the Friends of Flying Santa. I miss working with George and "The Friends" now that I live in Florida. There is a web site for this wonderful organization @ www.flyingsanta.org
It has everything you ever wanted to know plus photos. Check out the Photo Gallery. Ethan's pictures can be seen at Brant Point for the years 2006 and 2001. Christmas is a magical time of year. We learn about Christmas at an early stage of our life, and we keep those fond memories for the rest of our lives. The best memories I have, the feelings deep in my heart, are of Christmas with my parents, and later, with my own children. All the years my children were growing up, I always asked them if "They Believed in Santa". If they said "No", they did not get $#!T for Christmas. You are never too old for Christmas and I hope we all keep "The Belief" of Santa and the faith of the Birth of Jesus. I believe, and I will always believe. If you had "The Bell", would you hear it ring? If your asking, What Bell? You need to see the movie Polar Express. To Jason & Elizabeth - Thank you for taking Ethan & Jocelyn to see "The Flying Santa". Ethan is at the age where he might think that he is too old to sit on his lap, but he will forever remember these times and the true meaning of Christmas. Wonderful memories... forever. YTB!!
Your Florida Dad Loves You!!
Post a Comment