Quincy fishing a trip 'a chance to give back' to veterans

QUINCY, Mass. — Many of them fought overseas in World War II and Vietnam, but Wednesday in Quincy, they were back on the high seas for a day of fishing thanks to more than a hundred volunteers.

The early morning scene in Houghs Neck had Army Veteran Rita Searle blowing kisses.

As hundreds of veterans – some decked out in Hawaiian shirts -- made their way onto 20 donated fishing boats.

“If I catch one, that will be one more than I normally get,” Veteran Robert Noble told Boston 25 News before heading out.

The 100-plus volunteers from the community, including Quincy police and fire, show up every year to help pull this fishing trip off.

“For some of the disabled vets you are going to see today, it's the only day out of the hospital they get,” Michael Cheney, with Harvey’s Saltwater Fishing Club, said.

They make their way out into Boston Harbor with a salute from Boston Fire.

Before casting their lines and just having a good time.

“It's great to be with a bunch of guys,” Noble said. “They do what they can to help me"

This trip started more than 60 years ago with an idea in someone's backyard. They took out about a dozen veterans. Today, there are more than 200 out on the water.

The other tradition each year is honoring a veteran.

Thomas Cheney got the honor this year. The 94-year-old U.S. Marine Sgt. fought for the country in World War II.

"We get a chance to give back to someone who served us so well,” Michael Cheney said. “It's our day to serve them."

MORE: Charity to help Sgt. Chesna's family pay mortgage

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