Vantage Deluxe World Travel Honors Veterans

The Gold Star families participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the American Cemetery on Omaha Beach in Normandy thanks to the Vantage Heroes program.

By Coastal Angler Staff Writer

Vantage Deluxe World Travel, a Boston based travel operator conducted an operation of its own this Veterans Day. The company mobilized its staff to plan a free twelve day trip to Europe for thirty Gold Star families from Massachusetts who have all lost loved ones since 9/11 in the War on Terror.

The complimentary cruise is part of Vantage Deluxe World Travel’s Vantage Heroes program, which provides those recovering from traumatic experiences an opportunity to bond and share their experiences and their strength with one another.

“In honor of Veterans Day, we want to show our appreciation for the courage and sacrifice of all those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” said Patricia Lewis of Vantage Deluxe World Travel. “This is a unique and restorative travel experience that we hope will aid in the healing process for those families mourning their loved ones.”

Erin Vasselian, whose husband Marine Sgt. Daniel Vasselian of Abington was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013, was among the passengers.

“This is a trip of a lifetime,” said Vasselian. “I never thought I’d be able to go to France and to have someone call and say ‘pack your bags, you’re going to France?’ I thought it was a joke. And to have it donated by a company like Vantage to honor our loved ones is very special.”

Her words were echoed by Gold Star dad Steve Milley , whose son Scott Milley was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010.

“Anything associated with Scott’s death is bittersweet,” said Milley. “But this is one of the sweet things. It’s amazing that a company would do things when they don’t have to and Vantage Travel really stepped up (for us.)”

The cruise aboard the luxurious  ms River Venture included sightseeing tours of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in Paris, walking tours of Vernon, Rouen, and Honfleur, was in partnership with the organization, Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, which provides outreach services for military families across the Commonwealth.
“This program has been important to our organization because it allows us to provide a unique and special opportunity to those we serve. By providing this opportunity, Vantage Deluxe World Travel is also telling the families “Thank you” for what you have sacrificed,” says Chris Lessard, Program Director, Massachusetts Fallen Heroes.

The trip was capped by a special visit to Omaha Beach in Normandy where the Gold Star families participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the American Cemetery, final resting place for nearly 10,000 American soldiers killed on  D-Day in WWII, the largest land invasion in history on June 6, 1944.

Vantage Deluxe World Travel is also planning another Heroes Cruise to France in December for families who lost loved ones on United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. In addition to cruise and air travel, all taxes and port charges, transfers and baggage handling are complimentary for these special guests.