The Peru Gazette

BETA Technologies to unveil one-of-a-kind “P-51 Bustang” during a special 6:30 a.m. event at the U.S. Oval

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — September 1, 2026 — North Country Honor Flight will send 29 North Country veterans to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, September 5, for a day dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifice.

The veterans traveling on North Country Honor Flight Flights 72 and 73 represent several generations of American military service. The group includes a Korean War veteran, several Vietnam War veterans and veterans who served during the Cold War.

This mission will also mark the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind vehicle created specifically to transport North Country’s heroes.

Introducing the “P-51 Bustang”

Flights 72 and 73 are being sponsored by BETA Technologies, which has transformed a bus donated by Saranac Central School into a rolling masterpiece.

Patterned after the legendary P-51 Mustang, the specially designed bus has been affectionately named the “P-51 Bustang.” The one-of-a-kind vehicle represents a deep appreciation for the veterans it was created to serve.

“Rich, Ashley and the entire BETA Technologies crew have poured their heart and soul into the project. The P-51 Bustang will become a lasting part of our organization, and we are incredibly grateful. ” says Barrie Finnegan, Executive Director of North Country Honor Flight.

The P-51 Bustang will be officially unveiled at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, September 5, at the U.S. Oval in Plattsburgh, as the veterans arrive for their Honor Flight sendoff ceremony.

September 5 Sendoff

Veterans will travel through town with “Thunder in the ‘burgh” and arrive at the US Oval at approximately 6:30 a.m., where BETA Technologies will unveil the P-51 Bustang.

The official North Country Honor Flight departure ceremony will begin at 7:00 a.m.

Family members, friends, fellow veterans, community members, local officials and supporters are encouraged to gather at the U.S. Oval to give these 29 veterans the sendoff they deserve.

Following the ceremony, the veterans will continue to the airport and begin their journey to Washington, D.C. There, they will visit the memorials dedicated to the generations of Americans who served our country.

For many of these veterans, the trip will provide an opportunity to finally see memorials that honor their service and the service of their fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

North Country Honor Flight extends its deepest appreciation to BETA Technologies for sponsoring Flights 72 and 73 and for creating a project that will remain a part of Honor Flight for years to come. Special thanks also goes to Saranac Central School for donating the bus that made this project possible.