This week’s bouquets go to:

The Highland Golf Club is thrilled to present the UP Honor Flight with a check for $3,200 for the next Honor Flight!

The Highland hosted its second annual UP Honor Flight golf tournament and golfers enjoyed a spectacular day on the golf course, all while supporting a wonderful cause.

Organizers of the Highland’s UP Honor Flight Golf Tournament were overwhelmed by the over-the-top support that the community showed toward the event and were delighted to be able to donate $3,200 toward the UP Honor Flight. Many bucket raffles, gift certificates and silent auction items were available to win or bid on, thanks to the incredible support of local businesses and individuals. The Highland wishes to thank everyone who contributed toward the event, particularly in this year when so many businesses are struggling with the effects of the Coronavirus. The Highland also wants to thank all of the volunteers who helped out at the event, as well as the golf course crew who had the course in great shape in spite of the recent heavy rains.

According to Scott Knauf, president of the UP Honor Flight, it is events such as the Highland’s Golf Tournament and small donor contributions that make it possible for UP veterans to travel to Washington DC twice a year to view the veteran memorials that have been built in their honor. In larger regions, it is common for corporate sponsors to underwrite the event or provide corporate jets to fly the veterans to DC. Here in the U.P., it is small businesses and donors who make it possible for 150 veterans and their guardians to fly to DC annually. It is no small feat for a small region like the Upper Peninsula to raise the over $200,000 that is needed to send those two flights to Washington DC each year. Knauf is grateful to the Highland and the many others who make it possible.

The top four teams in each flight took home prizes. Brett Smithson, Ian Bender, Josh Hughes and Jake Donati took first place in the first flight and Charles Olsen, Ray Houle, Bill Farrell and Bill Boyce took first place in the second flight. In the third flight, Rachael Latta, Charlie Phillips, Laura Adams and Brian Adams took first place.

Knauf encouraged any veterans who have not yet signed up for the UP Honor Flight to do so. The mission of the U.P. Honor Flight is to fly Upper Peninsula World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans to Washington DC to visit and reflect at their Memorials; memorials that stand in their honor. This “Tour of Honor” is provided at no cost to the veterans. Two trips are provided each year and priority is given to senior veterans – WWII and Korean survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill. Vietnam veterans may also apply, but with 430 World War II veterans dying each day, priority is given to them. Applications are being accepted from all veterans who served from 1941 to May 1975 whether serving during war time or peace time, stateside or overseas.

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Each Saturday the Daily Press salutes individuals and groups from our area who have had a very positive impact on the way we live.

We identify our bouquet recipients in one of two ways: from Daily Press news pages and from nominations sent in by our readers.

Mail us a postcard or letter identifying your nomination and putting into detail what they’ve done. Include your name, address, and phone number. Send nominations to Saturday Bouquets, The Daily Press, 600 Ludington Street, Escanaba, MI 49829.

They may also be sent to us by going to our Web site, www.dailypress.net, and clicking on the submit news button. Once there, click on “Bouquets” and follow the simple instructions.