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PORT JERVIS, N.Y. (AP) — Members of a New York community band didn't let the cancellation of a Memorial Day parade stop them from paying tribute to a recently stricken World War II veteran.
The Times Herald-Record of Middletown reports (http://bit.ly/25xWbq2 ) 90-year-old Walter Hughes donned his old uniform before dawn in anticipation of attending Monday's parade in Port Jervis, 65 miles northwest of New York City.
But the event was cancelled because of severe weather warnings, leaving the former paratrooper disappointed. He suffered a stroke in March and had been regaining his health so he could attend the parade.
Friends in a local band came to the rescue, giving Hughes an impromptu concert of patriotic songs on the front lawn of his home as neighbors and friends gathered around.
Hughes said it was "one of the best things" to ever happen to him.
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Information from: The Times Herald-Record, http://www.th-record.com
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