Wounded Warriors are once again hosted on the island of Bonaire.
Ten Wounded Warriors visit Bonaire.
Last week, a contingent of 10 Wounded Warriors were hosted by the island of Bonaire for a week of diving, dining, and sightseeing. This fine tradition of welcoming the Wounded Warriors to Bonaire began back in 2007, and it illustrates the close ties that the island of Bonaire enjoys with the United States, by supporting their military personnel.
A week of normal Bonaire activities ensued–diving, dining, and exploring.
These fine men and women arrived on August 21st and spent a week enjoying all that Bonaire has to offer. Their Open Water Scuba Diver courses were completed, they were wined and dined at many of Bonaire’s fine restaurants, and they had the opportunity to sightsee and sample first-hand the island’s fine hospitality.
A reception was held in the Wounded Warriors’ honor.
Last Thursday evening, the Wounded Warriors were invited to the courtyard of the Bestuurscollege, or the seat of the Island Government, for a reception held in their honor. Of course, there were fine speeches, food and drink, and lots of images taken, but the Wounded Warriors’ pride and respect of their home country was evident. After the American flag was used for pictures, two warriors follow proper protocol in folding the flag:
The Wounded Warriors became Bonaire Ambassadors.
The Wounded Warriors were indoctrinated into Bonaire’s Ambassador program, and each received a bronze medal from the island. Each was “pinned” with a Bonaire flag by Comissioner Nina den Heyer, Deputy of History and Culture.
Folkloric dancers perform.
At the end of the evening’s reception, a group of young ladies from Bonaire performed a local, folkloric dance for these men and women in the Wounded Warriors contingent.
In speaking with several of the Wounded Warriors, it was evident they enjoyed and appreciated their visit to Bonaire, and the island can now truly count these U.S. military men and women as Bonaire ambassadors, as they fell in love with the laidback feeling of the island. We hope to be able to welcome them back again in the near future!
(Source: Bonaire Insider Reporter)
